I was recently given a prompt to write the following passage describing me. While that sounds easy, it’s actually quite tough to write about yourself on the spot. I was pleased with my piece, which I feel has – in a way – become my mission statement.
I see myself as a writer, communicator and storyteller. I would say my life theme is words; how can I use words to tell a story. Nothing gives me more excitement than being able to tell a story that resonates with someone.
Let me explain what I mean by “story.”
I’m not using the word story as a fairytale or fable. I’m using story as a means to communicate a message, whether fact or fiction. A story can be a collection of words on university letterhead telling a student they have been admitted to this amazing university. A story can be a feature about a student athlete’s success at college. A story can be the President’s remarks to eager students at Commencement. And a story can be my own personal reflections of being an “Aztec for Life.”
One of the basic principles of communication is the concept of the sender-receiver. The sender speaks words, and the receiver listens and responds. Without one, there is no other.
The same can be true with speechwriting and telling stories. It’s not just about the words and the person speaking them. It’s how the listener responds. Without the student’s joy and excitement after reading their admission letter, the document would simply be words on a paper. If the student athlete profile didn’t bring his mother to tears, the story may not have meaning. Without the smiles, cheers and excitement on the faces of graduating seniors, the President would simply be putting words into the air.
So what’s my story?
I’m a person who uses words to inspire, educate and entertain. I do this when I write admission letters, Web site copy, and university General Catalog policy. I do this when I write my personal stories about cooking and parenting on my blog. I do this as I profile a neighborhood leader for my community magazine. And I do this as a mother trying to inspire and teach (and entertain) my 3-year-old daughter.
I am someone who believes in the power of words, and the power of a story.
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I’ve decided to accept the WordPress challenge to post every week. Can I do it? Let’s hope! I’m off to a good start, right?