“Everything good that happened in my writing career happened because someone, normally another writer, helped me. Suggested me for something, put in a good word, and so on.
The idea was always that you help others and they help others in their turn.
It’s not a win-or-lose game.” – Neil Gaiman
I graduated from high school in 2012. For some, that doesn't feel far away, and for others… it is regarded in the same way I regard 1953. Either way, I’ve lived a lot of life since then and I’ve learned a lot about myself. If you would have asked me at age 18 what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have told you a social worker. Once I learned more, I would have answered a therapist.
I did great in college. I earned a high GPA in college. I liked learning, and I still do, especially about the human brain. I took all the English and Literature courses I could within my first year. I eventually became less passionate about learning to become a therapist. Without that spark leading my way, I dropped out of college.
Since bowing out, I worked a few jobs, some I loved, and some I didn’t. I had gotten married, birthed two babies, adopted one, and continued to help raise another. I had settled into life. But it always bugged me that I had started a degree and never finished it.
Once I became pregnant with my youngest daughter, I knew I’d be staying home with her. After all, anyone raising kids in Wright County is aware that childcare isn’t always easy to find. I figured with the extra time I had why not enroll and finish the degree online? So, I did. It wasn’t about moving on in my career; it was about personal satisfaction and staying busy.
Looking back, I realize that I dropped out of classes because I wasn't suited for that line of work. I always enjoyed writing and reading even more, even if I wasn't a perfect speller or had the most traditional form, or always knew the correct pronunciation. That is probably why I never took my words seriously until another writer told me my work was good. Or until one of my professors complimented me on my ability to get my point across in few words…but still docked me points for not meeting word count requirements.
Once I started to take my writing seriously, I applied to the newspaper. I, obviously, was accepted for the job. So, before I finished my AA in Psychology, I became an Editor for my local newspaper. I was a librarian and a director librarian. I was also a lunch lady, a cashier at a gas station, and a caretaker at Mosaic. I was an office manager, a secretary, and a stay-at-home mom. But I was always a writer.
I allowed society to pick my label based on arbitrary rules. I allowed the thought that I needed to have everything figured out once I graduated high school to determine my immediate path. I bought into the gimmick that I needed a college degree to determine my professional success.
Normally, the point of my column is to have readers form their takeaway, hint at the title “Reading Between the Lines.” This time, I want to be abundantly clear, mostly to anyone who is reading this straight out of high school. Kids still read the newspaper, right?
College is great. Education is important. I believe this. I’m proud of the education I have and I do plan on furthering it. But please, as you take a minute to plan your future, realize that life is going to change so much. Your interests are going to broaden, your passions will change, and in between, all of that life will throw you a few curveballs.
Don’t discount gaining real-life experience before choosing your path. Don’t discount a company’s want for passionate individuals over highly educated individuals, especially in a small town like Clarion.
If you’re interested in mechanics? There are places here willing to hire you and teach you along the way. Interested in animals? There are places here willing to hire you, straight out of high school, and train you for the job. Interested in the education field? There are plenty of places to dip your toes in the water before committing.
If you’re not sure what you want to be when you grow up, other than live comfortably and have a family or not…guess what, you don’t have to go straight to college. You’re allowed to attend a trade school, regardless of your gender or current skill set. You’re allowed to get a job out of high school and start living life. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
And you know what? Five years down the road, you might find out that you’re no longer interested in that field you were so passionate about at 18. One year down the road, the company you’re working for might feel invested in you and offer to help fund your education. Don’t discount big dreams being attainable in small towns. How do I know? I’m living it.
Amanda Rink is the Editor of The Wright County Monitor. When she isn’t caring for her family, writing for the newspaper, or avoiding laundry, she can be found hiding in the woods with a cup of coffee and a romance novel.
