“Thinking ‘Here goes nothing’ could be the start of everything.”
These words, displayed on a sign in the media lab, have not only given me countless encouragement over the last few years, but accurately sum up my time in the Panther Press.
I never imagined myself anywhere near the world of journalism. I’ve always wanted to write fiction, but I was convinced to join the Panther Press my junior year assuming that some practice writing professionally — whatever kind — was better than nothing.
I was seriously a fish out of water. But now, I look back on adventures that before I could only read about.
The dictionary defines an adventure as “an unusual, exciting, and possibly dangerous activity.” Sounds about right.
But why would I just tell you? Let me show you, with the help of a few quotes from some of my favorite books.
“Now is the time for courage. We must meet the enemy with steady hearts, for dawn has conquered dark since the Maker spoke the world. The night is deep, but light runs deeper.”
“The Warden and the Wolf King” by Andrew Peterson
Joining the Panther Press has pushed me out of my comfort zone in so many ways. Some of my favorite articles happened because I gained the confidence and courage to do things that sounded terrifying, like driving to Swarthmore and interviewing a business owner I’d never met, or, conversely, interviewing two freshmen actively throwing packaged snacks at each other.
Sacrifice and struggle don’t need to be wholly negative. Sometimes dying to yourself and giving up what you want in a situation leads to the best kind of growth.
“These are your presents…they are tools, not toys. The time to use them is perhaps near at hand. Bear them well.”
“The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis
We all have talents and passions. And while we may not be given swords, the charge is the same: bear them well. Don’t just fake your way through a class, take the chance to sharpen your intellect, even if you could care less about algebra. Give your all to your sport or performance, even if it feels like no one’s watching.
Peter has to carry that sword miles before he battles anyone. I may not end up a journalist, but I’ve found that doing everything with excellence — wherever you are right now — is fulfilling.
“I wonder what sort of tale we’ve fallen into?”
“The Two Towers” by J.R.R. Tolkien
I never fully understood the Panther Press’ trademark “#thatsastory” until now. To me, it’s an example that all of us are a story waiting to be written. By being a part of something larger than myself and documenting the real-life stories of others, I’ve truly seen this in action.
Everyone has a role to play, but that cannot happen by living passively. How would Haven look different if we viewed high school as a new adventure, and weren’t afraid to lose a little bit?
My advice: take a step into the unknown, and embrace the tale you’ve fallen into.
