Not surprising, I love to read. It is not uncommon for me to read a book in a day. I have a constant hunger for knowledge. I complain that I do not have enough time to learn everything I want to before I die. Then there is the why; why would anyone want to work so hard educating themselves only to end up dead and the information is lost? Because it is not lost if we write it down. Generations build on generations of others work.
University was the best time of my life. The professors and the libraries where to the brim with knowledge for that taking. I learnt so much and grew and changed into a completely different person by the time I left UNB 3 years later. I am so grateful that I had that classroom experience. The exposure to classical historical things in ARTS 1000; a class I would never have taken if not required became one of my favourite classes.
Travel was so much richer. I went to Rome before my education, and after. After my education Italy was even more awesome, I was awe stricken and humbled by the art, history, beauty and architecture. Knowing the history and meaning of things, who did what where and when made the experience come to life.
Writing is a life long love that I will never bore of. English 101 was the most difficult, frustrating emotional class I ever took. I learnt so much. I improved so much. I learnt that spelling and grammar can be taught and memorised, but creativity was something you had or you didn’t. And I had it in spades. An opinion, oh I can give you an opinion alright. I accidentally cussed in front of my professor. I argued with him in the parking lot (it was a passionate talk that left us both happy it happened). I learnt so much from that man. UNB lost a great professor when he left; they should have given him tenure.
The biggest thing about writing is how it is a journey that never ends. You will never be perfect. You can learn and improve though. You are not to be judged next to professionals, rather your work is relatable through your peers and outlet. You will improve if you do it. It is lifelong gift.
Recording what would otherwise be lost. The small daily things that are actually what makes up life, when we look back in the end. What matters. Love. Loss. Your unique perspective. UNB taught me that every person thinks differently, understands what you say and write differently unless you are extremely clear, but even then, opinions will be as divided as ever. Or not. Life is surprising. People from other cultures and countries have their own unique perspective. History is someone’s perspective, recorded.
To be heard you must write. To be remembered you must write. To make a difference in the world, write. To grow, write. To learn to love, write… and re-read what you have written. Read what other people write. This is how you can have conversations with people who died 200 years ago, and someone in the future can read your thoughts. Not just politics, not politics at all if you wish. Write poetry. Write memories.
Marcus Aurelius wrote about being emperor or Rome and never had any intention of anyone to ever read his private writings. But, they where found after his death and now anyone an read the diary of the most powerful man of the free world at that time in history: Mediations. Is that not amazing?! None of this would be possible if he had not pondered life and jotted it down. So, I write. Not to be great but to become the best version of myself. If others learn from that, I am humbled.
Celeste Eden
Nov.13th, 2016