I've always wanted to start a blog. However, I've never been good at long-term writing projects. There's a drawer in my dresser that is dedicated to abandoned journals; all of them are either blank or unfinished. It wasn't until my friend of eight years tore through my bedroom that I received the wake-up call I needed.
"This is beautiful," she told me. She'd select a journal from the drawer, thumb through the few pages adorned with my handwriting, and find the hundreds of empty ones that lay behind them. "And kind of tragic at the same time."
For years, I told my peers that I wanted to write professionally, but had nothing to show for it. Those journal entries, personal memoirs, and embarrassing fiction short stories—they can all be found in that drawer, on old hard-drives, or deep within the bowels of the Internet. If this was 2013, I would never let them see the light of day.
But alas, I am now seventeen years-old! And since college is rapidly approaching, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to present my most authentic self.
I dedicate the name of this blog, 'Jackie Of All Trades,' to my crazy schedule in high school. I was determined to shape myself into the most well-rounded student possible. In the span of four years, I was a Student Council president, HOSA competitor, Audio/Video buff, and semi-competent musician. I additionally earned my certification to become a medical assistant.
While I am incredibly humbled to have all of these experiences under my belt, a part of me wondered why I spread myself so thin. Was I scared of owning up to my dream of becoming a professional writer, knowing the amount of risk it would take? Was I that eager to fill my plate with other activities, and ignore the one I actually wanted to do? 'Jack of all trades, master of none' never felt more appropriate.
Then, I watched a YouTube video by Anna Akana, in which she reveals the phrase in its entirety: 'Jack of all trades, master of none, often times better than master of one.'
It sounds silly, but being honest with myself has been this constant push-and-pull. Some days, I am convinced that medical school is the only viable option for me. Others, I foolishly believe I have the mental fortitude for a career in public policy. But writing— and creative expression in general—is where I feel the most confident. The most myself.
Funnily enough, the activities I chose in high school have only pointed me in the right direction. Student Council taught me that I enjoy being my own boss. Audio/Video taught me how to develop a story. And HOSA Future Health Professionals convinced me that creativity is where my strength lies. When I thought my decisions were diverting me from what I wanted to do, they were actually guiding me this entire time.
So, where does that leave us? I am currently a writing intern for the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, where I shadow amazing individuals within the Public Relations Department. I am an incoming freshman at The University of Texas in Austin (Hook 'em Horns!), where I am majoring in Rhetoric and Writing as a Liberal Arts Honors Student. But most of all, I am an aspiring Jack of all Trades. While I may specialize in writing, there remains a plethora of sub-categories to explore: journalism, public relations. Children's book writing. The possibilities are endless!
Think of this blog as a professional finsta. Here, I want to document my professional development, establish a healthy creative outlet for college, and reflect on my high school experiences with a fine-tooth comb. Maybe I'll even revive some of my old writing. Maybe.
If you've read this far, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! If you're interested in reading more, be sure to enter your e-mail in the subscription box below so you can receive a notification every time that I post. I promise, you won't regret it!
Best wishes,
Jackie Magno
LOVE^€€ LOL
I live you Jackie, where ever you go and whatever you choose to do you'll be wonderful in. ((But if we don't go on a book tour together I'll 😔))