Addicted to Writing

At a first glance, summer seems great. No school, no homework, no worries. And after a week of soaking up the sun and gathering with friends all night, it hits you. The symptoms of withdrawal sink in.

It wasn't from cocaine, cigarettes or alcohol. It was from writing.

The first week of summer was the longest I had stayed at home in a long time. I missed my classmates. I missed my advisor. And most importantly, I missed writing.

I was addicted. 

After working for two years on the newspaper staff, the staffers became siblings, my advisor became my second mom and the computer became my best friend.

Going from writing three stories in two weeks, designing a page in three days and creating graphics in the spare time, to sitting on my butt, watching television and surfing the internet, I began to experience withdrawal.

Being a writer is more than a hobby, it is a passion. It not only keeps me busy, but also encourages me. I get to meet and interview people and tell the world not only my story, but others' stories as well. 

Joining the newspaper staff was, hands down, the best decision I have made so far in my life. I discovered a true talent and I get to work with some amazing writers as well. I learn from them and then I share my knowledge. Together we made an outstanding newspaper. We won the Spartan Award from the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association and multiple individual awards. 

One hour each day was all the time provided to produce the award-winning paper. It wasn't enough. 

Hours and hours were spent in the journalism lab, after school let out at 2:11 p.m. Some nights we would stay there until 9 p.m. I spent more time in the lab than I did in my own home. 

Being at home sitting around aimlesly made me realize there was only one option to help my symptoms ... create a blog.