Pulling out a pen or phone and jotting down thoughts can bring forth creative ideas and stories to share. Writing is an art that allows for release, creativity and connection. It can also be done easily, making writing more accessible. Writing may seem obsolete in a world of screens and more wealth-focused professions; however, writing and the relief it brings are vital to society.
College is a time of transformation, and many decisions to make and classes to join. Writing is a way to organize the often overwhelming thoughts and take a break. Journaling, when used as self-care, fills the time spent on social media apps.
It may feel cliché, but journaling actually might reduce anxiety and depression by allowing for a greater process of emotion. It could also have other benefits, such as enhancing mood and possibly improving memory. Take a break from studying at Donkey Coffee and just journal, writing down how you feel. This could greatly improve your mental state and provide a quick pause from studying to self-reflect and reset.
Samantha Imperi, a creative writing PhD student and a graduate assistant instructor at Ohio University, is someone who saw her passion for writing and created her career around it.
“It’s the only art form that requires, maybe not the only, but one of the only art forms that requires no special tools, skills, or training,” Imperi said. “If you're taught how to use language, you can be a writer, right? And so it becomes this incredibly accessible point of art for people who are living in this world where everything is falling apart, and we need that artistic relief.”
Writing, though a potential hobby and a form of self-care, is a passion and even a talent for many. High-paying careers are often prioritized above careers that can bring great joy. Everyone has different interests, and happiness in a person’s chosen profession is also important to consider. Writing is a profession, and even if someone is pushed away from it, pursuing writing professionally can be so rewarding.
There should be more push for people to find their passions rather than stick in the box they're told to. Writing remains a passion for many. Looking for a passion can create a more fulfilling life, focusing on strengths as well as happiness.
Writing doesn’t only help with internal struggles and emotions; it can also connect people. When we share our own thoughts and read others', we learn more about human nature and can find common ground with others. Writing is an art, but it is also a form of communication and understanding, making it so important in times of uncertainty.
Imperi’s current big project is a collection of poems about deciding not to have children as an able-bodied woman of a certain age. She will use this work to bring attention to something she finds important, and writing has allowed her to share it. She also plans to collect more stories from other women.
At OU, there are so many ways to be involved in the world of the written language. Whether writing for a news organization or joining a creative writing workshop as a course, there are ways to develop skills. It can be both informative and imaginative, and that is what makes it such a powerful tool.
Writing doesn't need to and doesn’t deserve to falter. Writing can preserve ideas, allowing us to relate to others from different times. An art form that can be done almost anywhere, shares as much as we want it to and works our brains deserves to have a place everywhere.
Kyra Dapore is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Kyra know by emailing her at kd364521@ohio.edu.
