Saturday, May 2, 2009

study break and serious reflection

So right now I am blogging as a study break, but I was sparked to blog because my mind wandered to other things related to HUST and the summer ahead of me.
I found out a few days ago that I was placed at Simon & Schuster for my internship.
I will be involved in many aspects of the publishing process, from reviewing manuscripts to editing to publicity. The major requirement for interns is "a love of literature." I certainly have that, but what else can I bring to the table with my experience as a HUST major?

First of all, I have a little more to offer than being a spellchecker and grammar patroller (although I think I can still brush up in these are as). From our HUST courses, I inquire about the voice and narrative frame of a text. I think about what the style of the work means or says about the author. I read into the deeper messages an author is conveying (for example, a view of women!). I assess the influence of culture on a piece of work. I consider the effects of translation, ahhhhh... I don't take everything at face value, like an editors position or "factual evidence"- for example, Marty's explanation that Luther's surplus adipose tissue was because he was German... and drank brats and beer or whatever that lame-o argument was. In classic HUST fashion, I examine the little pieces to understand how they make the whole. Unlike my last sentence, I don't speak in generalizations bu t back myself up with specific facts. And most importantly, I'm not afraid of a challenge! We should all be paninis by now since we're grilled from top to bottom. Each day I come into class thinking I'm prepared, and then the professor asks something I hadn't yet though about. We're always put on the spot and forced to think on our feet. We can hold a profound conversation because we talk with lit and history geniuses every day.

So, while I'm definitely nervous and anxious about being an exceptional intern this summer, I know I'm prepared and that HUST has given me an excellent foundation to go off into the professional world. God, I'm so cheesy, but I'm being honest!

And I'm excited, for 2 months I have my dream job =) As long as I'm not a bloody imbecile and pull a Bridget Jones too often. This summer is going to be brilliant =) =) =)

Also, I think the fact that St. Mary's alumna Adriana Trigiani will have an "Author's Appearance", as she is one of S&S's best selling writers, is a good omen. How awesome would it be if I'm able to work in that publicity event. O-M-G!!!
Did you notice that we even have the same hair?!?!


Okay, I'll stop stalking her now and being a total creep.




1 comment:

  1. hilariously eloquent! very well put. and so you! professor shinners told me about your internship at simon and schuster, HOW FABULOUS! i am so excited for you... you will have to message me your address and i will send you a postcard from china and you can send me one from london!

    and as for the panini reference... splendid. indubitably. [:

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