A Revelation
I am definitely on a mission for self-discovery. I have realized, like many others who read my entries, that I am still trying to find out what career would truly make me happy. It is one thing to say that you want to write, but write what, where and for whom? I still need to discover that. I thought television was where I belonged. So I started a training program at a very popular television station. However, the more I learn about television the more I question my desired place in it.
I shared my frustrations with a close mentor of mine and he instructed me to write down all the things that I consider to be important. Then, I was to figure out a way to incorporate these things into the career in which I desire. At first, I had to think about what I was supposed to be jotting down. Was my mentor referring to mundane things like location, salary, benefits and mobility? Or was it something greater than that. Of course those things matter but they are not on the top of my list. Finally I began to write. I wrote down words like: family, culture and social change. What did these words mean and did they answer my question. Then I realized what my goal was. I want to bring the West Indian-American community to the forefront. As a second-generation West Indian there is nothing closer to my heart than my culture. I live and breathe it everyday. This double-consciousness in which I and many others possess in which we are ethnic and American at the same time, inspires me to always challenge the norm and find ways to be recognized. My experiences in school, work and life as a whole have strengthened my creative talents and I wish to convey another facet of life. The West-Indian community is an untapped source of knowledge in regards to creative expression. I have grown up on great writers like Jamaica Kincaid and Ivan Van Sertima and they have inspired me beyond measure. I am now looking into publishing companies. I want to learn the process of book publication and the steps an author must take. In regards to television, I am still very much interested in continuing in that field as well. Despite the onslaught of reality shows, a great deal can be learned about people and culture through a television screen.
You could be an instrument of social change with respect to raising the national consciousness of your subculture and its riches either in television or in book pulbication. You may want to inquire of your mentor or of your college placement office where they think your ideas will be given the greatest exposure. You may also want to make a list of the qualities you feel a tv commentator would need (ie good speaking voice) versus the qualities a writer would need (ie good command of the English language). Good luck.
Devon,
Perhaps your mentor was suggesting that you write down your competencies, interests, and values. Take three sheets of paper and write on the first as many of your competencies that you can think of. What are you good at? Don't worry yet if they're career related. Then do the same for your interests (what do you enjoy) and your values (what is important to you).
Lay the three sheets of paper side-by-side and look for common themes. You'll see them and you may be surprised. Those are the areas that should direct your attention as they are the ones that will allow you provide the greatest value to others and yourself.