The Power of Writing
When I am given an assignment in class for English or I compose an email to my teacher, I tackle writing differently from that of my peers. The common perception about writing is that it is just writing: unless one is going to become an English teacher or write professionally, there is no purpose to writing a perfect in-class essay or putting much thought into an email. It is a simplistic outlook to carry about writing, and while the argument is valid, I view writing with a different lens.
Every stroke of the pen, every word that is composed on a Microsoft Word document, and every thought transferred onto a sheet of paper, is a chance for me to express my philosophy of the world. It is a chance to transfer my intellectual curiosities into words on paper. Writing grants me the ability to channel the inner-voice lying dormant inside of me to prevail. Writing allows me to not turn a blind eye to the injustices I see frequently throughout the world. Writing allows me to grapple to find words and ideas that transcend modern-thought and beliefs.
Now, I wouldn’t consider myself to become someone who writes professionally or teaches the art of writing for a living, but I would consider myself as one who finds deep pleasure in writing.
When I write, I tackle war with words. When I write, I defeat arguments with logic. Writing is powerful in every aspect.
Throughout the past sixteen years of my life, I have come across numerous books and passages written by talented writers. Whether it is Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, or William Shakespeare, they are all tremendous writers. It is clear that they are exceptional writers who are able to convey their intended message in a clear and effective manner. What separates good writers from the great and well-known writers like Shakespeare, Dickens, and Hemingway is that great writers achieve shedding light to an issue that oftentimes gets ignored in society. That is what makes writing powerful.
Writing is not powerful during the time of trying to please one group over the other or writing to achieve an “A+”. But writing is powerful when you seize the opportunity in front of you in order to create a masterpiece. A masterpiece for yourself—a masterpiece that ultimately reveals an identity often lost inside; writing is the perfect moment to unveil thoughts you would be petrified of sharing out loud.
Writing is not defined by the conventions taught to individuals in the formative years of elementary or middle school. What is often placed upon students from a young age is that when individuals write, the grammar has to be perfect, the syntax has to be flawless, the structure has to be set with an introduction, two body-paragraphs, and a conclusion, and sentences can not begin with a “But” or an “And.” What is learned at a young age is a stereotype about writing that gets planted in people’s minds. The convention ultimately should be teaching kids that writing is defined as expressing your thoughts freely and unwaveringly.
To everyone who writes, defy the convention that is taught from a young age. Look through your house, find a pen and a paper — and let your writing become the perfect medium to freely express thoughts without feeling guilty or shameful.
