College Experiences That Helped A Technical Writer At A Tech Company Succeed

When I worked as a barista and at The Writing Center, I truly believed in what I was doing. However, many people were not thrilled about me studying literature or creative writing, specifically poetry. I encountered many individuals who, in thoughtless moments, projected negativity onto my future.

Serving coffee at seven in the morning, some people would ask what I studied. Before heading off to their jobs, which they disliked, they would tell me, "Oh, well, you're probably gonna starve and die." I received a lot of negative feedback for pursuing something I believed in and felt was important.

In the long run, I think I should thank them. The anxiety they created led me to overstudy and seize every opportunity to demonstrate my ability to think, execute projects, problem-solve, and speak other languages. I took every chance I could to add accomplishments to my name.

I helped people get into graduate school and assisted an international student in getting into medical school. I also helped them write grants and lab reports at the international Writing Center. Additionally, I pursued extra certifications, including a tech writing certificate.

I gathered credits and took extra classes for that certificate. I also used money from a legal settlement, received after being hit by a car on my bike, to get certified to teach English as a foreign language that summer. I used these to demonstrate who I was and my growing capabilities.

Learning languages and going all out was my way of communicating to the world that I deserved to be a part of it, to work with people, and to add value. I truly maximized every opportunity I could.

Essentially, I responded positively to people's negative feedback. A tech writer would summarize this by saying I took calculated risks and built a portfolio. I worked odd jobs, including freelance writing and content creation, sometimes not getting paid for my work.

There was a point where I wrote about anything, which was difficult and a risk. While working as a barista and taking on these jobs, I often didn't feel happy. However, looking back, I can see it paid off in the end. Writing about plumbing pipes for a tech job became the only technically relevant content I could submit.

Staying close with friends and family during confusing times is crucial. Maintaining close relationships with people you keep near helps you become who you are. Good friendships and relationships are important for moments of intense stress and confusion, and simple conversations with loved ones can lead to breakthroughs.

You don't have to go through everything alone. Even if you don't have close relationships, taking that intense worry about how you'll live or pay bills outside can be helpful. Going somewhere like a coffee shop and taking that energy outward can lead to good things.

By taking that energy out into the world and being curious and vulnerable, you can help yourself move forward.