I read a quote from Ben Franklin the other day that seemed to suit me quite well, “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” I think the quote is pretty dead on when it comes to life in general.

My only qualm with it is: why does it have to be one or the other?

I was born to write. I knew in my fifth grade language arts class that I wanted to write. Thanks to that teacher (Mrs. McKenzie – yes, I remember), who saw my potential at age 10 and, therefore, rearranged my curriculum so I could write as much as possible, I am still pursuing that dream.

So, I write.

I’d like to think that my writing is worth reading. I seem to have established a small following. From getting feedback on Twitter and Facebook, to the many comments left on my blog, I feel like I have accomplished at least that.

It’s so flattering for me to receive such positive feedback from my readers. Heck, it’s flattering when someone hates something I’ve written as well.

There are a couple reasons why I write.

1. I write to gather my thoughts. I am one of those people who can write what I feel and express myself most clearly through written language. I have kept journals throughout my life (I have volumes) and I continue to write in them. Much like my personal journals, my blog is my sanctuary. Here, I write about what is going on. It’s not just a way to keep family and friends “in the loop,” but it’s also a way for me to document my journey through life. One day, I will look back and re-read all of my entries and be able to live forever.
2. I write to start dialogue. I love nothing more than to hear feedback, opinions and general comments on what I write about. Much of what I’ve experienced and have come to know in my young age is, and will be, valuable knowledge for the rest of my life. My goal is to affect the lives of others. Whether it is through a post about the conflict in Iran, dating and relationships, or my move to San Francisco, I want to touch someone. Reach just one person. Speak or relate to another’s experience. Open the door for communication.

Within today’s society (and it’s getting better, at least I hope), I feel as if everyone is shut off. Everyone has closed their doors to communication. Everything is private and confidential. I don’t know if this protection is due to fear or lack of ability, but I want to break down those walls.

I don’t care how much money you make, what you do for a living, how old you are, where you went to school, or how many siblings you have.

Cut the small talk.

I want to know what you dream of. I want to know what you ache for, what you desire. I want to know how you think, how you breathe, how you soak in the moments of every day. I want to know how you love, how you let love. I want to know how you cry, what makes you cry, why. I want to know how you deal with life’s betrayals and the pain that comes with. Do you hide it, push it away, or try and fix it. Do you put your happiness before others’. I want to know what makes you laugh, smile, dance. What makes you throw away all your inhibitions and just be. Who can you trust and what makes someone trustworthy. Are you trustworthy. I want to know if you can see beauty even if it’s not pretty. Do you earn or take. Live or watch. Fantasize or accept. I want to know what tires you and what excited you. What thrills you and what bores you. I want to know what you consider is true happiness. With oneself and with others. What keeps you alive when all else has failed.

I want to know what really matters.

In today’s society, all of these truths are lost in the hustle and bustle of routine. That is one of my biggest fears. Losing the passion in my life to the “same ‘ol, same ‘ol.”

Now, the second part of the quote, “…do something worth writing.”

The easy response for me would be, “Duh. I just picked up my entire life and moved 1268 miles away from everything I knew. Isn’t that doing something work writing?”

Well, yes and no. Yes, of course my big move into the city and my new job and chapter in my life qualifies as doing something worth writing. I’ve been writing about it for weeks. But, I want more. Now that I’m here, I don’t want to get sucked into the routine of work, sleep, work, sleep. I must strive for more.

There is so much to do out here in the city. There are so many people to meet, so many friends to make. So much to explore and experience and learn. I know I’ve only been here for a little less than a month, but I have barely dipped my big toe into everything there is here in San Francisco. I will push myself to continue to do things worth writing and never becoming complacent and “settled.”

I will forever be unsettled. And, quite frankly, I love it.

My blog is, of course, all about me. But, as I stated before, I write to inspire dialogue – to get you, my readers, to stop for a second and think. About you.

So tell me. Tell me what really matters to you. What makes you tick. What is worth reading or worth writing in your life.

It’s amazing how it seems four years of your life turn into two ceremonies, a party and one piece of paper.

Is this what it really means to graduate?

No. Graduation means so much more. It means that you endured four years of classes, papers, exams and presentations. It means you survived late nights, early mornings, parties, fights, friendships, losing friendships, relationships. But most importantly, graduation means you accomplished an incredible feat.

Now, I may be speaking just for myself here, but I’ve grown so much in the past four years. I have learned who in my life is a true friend and who is not. I have eliminated unhealthy relationships. I have established personal standards when it comes to developing new, healthy relationships. I have grown more confident in everything I do. I have strengthened my work ethic. I have learned what it feels like to be in a high leadership role. I have gained experience dealing with all kinds of people. These past for years do not just culminate in one little piece of paper to me.

The friendships I have made in college will outlast time. At several of the graduation barbeques I attended this past weekend, the ambiance was not as celebratory as I had expected. Most of these friends were sad to be leaving this stage in their lives. Don’t get me wrong, I cried too. But I can honestly say I have never received so many bear hugs in one weekend.

Yes, the world is changing around us graduates. Yes, we are thrown out into the “real world” (whatever that is) now. But we will always have each other. No matter where we are scattered around the United States and abroad, we will always have each other and the memories we made.

The knowledge I have gained from my classes will help me in the workforce. I’ll be honest; some of the classes I took were a total waste of time. But the ones that weren’t made up for it. My professor, Jan Whitt, opened my eyes to Women and Popular Culture. Trager, of course, taught me the ins and outs of First Amendment Law. And Amy Herdy, well, Amy taught me more than I can put into words.

I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to go to college.

Now it’s time to take my life into my own hands and turn my dreams into realities. I know it sounds cliché, but I wholeheartedly believe that anything is possible. I am young. I am able. And I am more than willing to reach for the stars.

I had the privilege of going to college, and I chose to succeed

No matter what the “rate of unemployment” is, I will find a great job. As Milton Berle once said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

So, I’ll build my own door, and then I’ll come-a-knockin’.