Bridget Depew
The Montgazette Editor-In-Chief
I didn’t go to college immediately after high school. I was fortunate enough to find a good-paying job not long after graduation, and I never really saw the need to pursue higher education. Besides that, my true passion, writing and journalism, was always squelched as I was growing up. My father strongly encouraged me to seek the career that would yield the high-paying salary. Journalism was not it as far as he was concerned. He would hear nothing of how much I loved to write. I abandoned my passion and honestly had forgotten about it.
Twenty years, a husband and two kids later, I found myself writing things on social media or my blog that contained certain points of view that resonated with the readers. Friends approached me and suggested I pursue a career as a writer. They said I had a way with words that made people take pause and engage. I hadn’t focused any thoughts towards a career, much less a writing career. Being a stay-at-home mom, I had become content and comfortable.
That said, I couldn’t ignore how writing made me feel. I decided to enroll at Montco to pursue a degree in Communications. What happened? What was the difference between now and twenty years ago? Well, besides life experience and a few gray hairs, it was someone’s belief in me. People believed in me! My husband. My family. My friends. People breathed life into my passion, and the fire that I thought had gone out was hanging on by one little ember. And, that ember was ignited.
After realizing how much I enjoyed even writing essays for classes and being bit by the journalism bug in Montco’s online professor, Dr. Rebecca McGovney–Ingram’s class, my passion took off. When I enrolled, I had planned to be more of a Montco wallflower – attend classes and go home. Before I knew it, I had become the Social Media Editor and contributing writer for The Montgazette. And now, I will be taking over as Editor-In-Chief this coming Fall. I’m doing a lot more than showing up for classes and going home. As daunting as the task may be, I’m engaging so that I can engage others.
So first, allow me to put on my mom hat for a minute and speak to the younger crowd: you have something to offer. Don’t be afraid to explore your dreams, and don’t let anyone deter you if you truly believe in your passion. As a grown adult with a mortgage and a family to help support, I won’t tell you that the money isn’t important. It’s simply that life is too short to live only for the almighty dollar.
To my fellow Gen Xers, I know why you’re here, and I know your struggle. You’re working moms and dads with bills to pay and children to raise, but you need more and want more. Moms, in particular, have a way of fading into the background. And though the family/school/work juggling act is a tough one, it’s worth it to be recognized for our accomplishments and achievements.
To those of you graduating this May, well done! As you embark on the next journey, maybe take a little time to breathe life onto someone else’s ember, igniting their passion.
The Montgazette 