What I learned from editing my credo

What stands out to me the most from revisiting my credo is the excess of words I tend to use in my writing. I feel as thought I use a lot of "empty" or "filler" words that take up space without contributing any additional meaning to a sentence. In learning to think as an editor, I am becoming more conscious of this habit and will hopeful see improvements.

Learning to edit your own work is a valuable skill for any kind of writer. I am always quick to find flaws in the writing of others, but it is a very different experience trying to edit the words I wrote and know so well. As with anything, practice and effort will make this process easier as time goes on, and will be a skill I know I can take with me wherever I find a career.

CREDO: trust your instinct, follow your passion

 Trust your instinct, follow your passion.

I always knew how much I loved to write, but I never knew if that meant I could make a living doing it. I went into UNH as undeclared, and spent my freshman year trying everything from family sociology to health management and policy. But the only class I truly enjoyed all year was in English, so I became a journalism major. And as a journalism major I learned I didn't want to be a journalist. So I switched to communications. But as a communications major I learned that I didn't enjoy school if I didn't get to write. It was that simple.

I could say that over the past two years I have learned how much I love to write, but you can't learn something you already know. Instead, I learned the importance of trusting your instinct, and if you are lucky enough to find a passion in life- follow it. Which is why I am declaring my fourth and final major as English.