How an Interaction with My Professor Changed My Outlook as a Writer

An immigrant’s experience

It was the year 2013.

I was fresh off the boat, new to the USA, and trying to figure out what this new reality meant for me.

I was enrolled in a Master’s program studying Emerging Media and communications.

It was my second or third class taught by a very serious but highly intelligent professor whose words I struggled to understand in those early days.

I had turned in my first assignment which was to analyze several chapters of one of the many class textbooks. I had stayed up the night before fine-tuning my paper which, of course, I had started days earlier as I hate to do last-minute work.

The professor walked into class, placed his bag of books on the table, and looked around the room as he called out my name.

I almost fainted.

He looked at me and said, “Remi, are you a professional writer?”

My mind froze. 😨

I probably lost my ability to understand words because all I could manage was, “It depends on what you mean by professional.” Or something to that effect. 😅

“Do you get paid to write?” he asked, a little impatiently.

Suddenly my brain kicked into gear and I thought,

Oh yeah. I do get paid to write.

You see, before my big move, I had been working for a magazine company where I wrote a column and also worked as managing editor for the publication.

I had also been writing five columns and one-off pieces across three different magazines one of which was based in Houston, Texas at the time.

I had completed my first novel even though I hadn’t worked up the courage to publish it. And I had a blog that I had been writing on and off for a couple of years.

So except for the last two hustle efforts that hadn’t paid me anything, yes, I did get paid to write.

Why was that not an easy concept for me to grasp? 🤷🏽‍♀️

I had never considered myself a ‘professional writer.’ Somewhere in my subconscious that was a title best left for New York Times bestselling authors and people who I read in big-name publications.

But, with a question, my professor challenged my assumptions and opened my eyes to what was right in front of me.

I am a writer and I need to think and act like one. 🎯

You’re probably wondering why he asked the question in the first place.

Well, he proceeded to tell me in front of the whole class that my paper was very well written and my choice of words was intentional; you know, professional.

This was high praise coming from my professor with serious eyes.

He wasn’t one to dole out compliments willy-nilly and to say I was elated to hear this would have been the understatement of the year.

These words boosted my confidence and helped me through those rough first few weeks.

He also made a point to write on my papers any time he thought I did a great job with my assignments. And his feedback was always challenging and well thought out.

So thank you, Dave Parry. 🙏

You spoke the very words I needed to hear and, in some way, changed this girl’s life.

Curious. Have you ever had someone unexpectedly speak words that encouraged you even though they had no idea what you were going through? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Sharing two stories I’ve enjoyed reading this past week. Check out this unexpectedly layered story by Donnette Anglin and a good dose of reality in this inspiring piece by Yana Bostongirl as usual!

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