Letter to the Editor. (October 3)

You said, “You didn’t come to the meeting.” When I saw you, I said, “you didn’t send me the e-mail. “

Actually, I really thought that you didn’t send me an e-mail because you weren’t interested in having me as a writer. I was excited at first when I met you. From my hometown and you were proud enough of your position as managing editor of the school newspaper that you told me. Not thinking that I would get excited and offer uh…my services? But then I thought about it. Me telling you I have a blog was probably not impressive. Alright, it’s certainly not impressive. You said you’d help me write but when you think about it; if I need help do I need to be writing for the school newspaper? And, is it appropriate for a graduate student to write in the school paper? Will I get unwanted attention because of it? Does anybody besides my friends (and it’s only a few of them) want to hear what I have to say?

My pros were:

• I could write social commentary.
• Help people in relationships. (As if.)
• Give some spiritual insights.
• Help some to believe in hip-hop again or at least better understand it.
• Bridge the gap between the undergraduate world and the graduate world here on campus. (Although I think they have it purposely separate.)

But if we are a community why can’t we be together? Dr. Kim, the newest faculty member at the seminary preached about community this past week.

My cons were:

• You didn’t send the promised invite.
• Maybe I bogarted my invitation to the meeting out of you.
• I’m 11 years older than the average freshmen. Whew!
• To help people believe in hip-hop again I would have to be honest about the artist and their art. Not always popular in mainstream media. (Does the school newspaper count as mainstream media?)
• I’d have college co-eds interested in me. (Come to think of it is that a pro, a con or both?)
• I would have all of the professors and my classmates judging, critiquing my every word.
• I went back home when you had your meeting any way.
• Maybe you really aren’t interested in having a self-absorbed, preaching, blogger as a writer in the first place. That wouldn’t be too far of a stretch now would it?

Alternatives.

• Maybe I can use my IT skills to help with the paper’s web presence.
• Maybe I can just do grunt work for you guys so that I can learn the trade. (Can you see me fetching coffee for 19 year olds?)

Or I could just audition by putting you in my blog.

So what do you think gang, do I have a shot? Let me know which entries I should share and which ones I should remove to get this non-paying gig with the school newspaper.