A month ago I was flattered to receive an e-mail from the admissions office at my alma mater asking me to talk about my life post-graduation and how my job in Hollywood came to fruition. Thrilled that I had made it far enough in life to relay my story to prospective students, I replied merrily. But a week later I was conflicted when asked to explain how my education at Emerson College specifically and directly contributed to my finding a job. It didn’t, and I had a tough time explaining so in the most respectful way possible. I post the letter below not to attack Emerson but to (with limited grandiloquence) confront our typical view of structure and education.
Hey there.
No single piece of work from college directly (or indirectly) prepared me for this job. After all, I was an audio major emphasizing sound design, and I ended up in a writers’ office on a TV show. I feel that the general education curriculum at Emerson slightly prepared me for any job in this field, but where I landed was won based very little on talent or craft fostered at Emerson, but professionalism and connections established during my time in LA. I am nowhere near where I had hoped or envisioned myself to be two years ago, but I am incredibly fortunate to have hit the ground running. The standard idea that a college education directly leads to finding a job is flawed, as there are many outside factors that contribute to one’s well-being in the real world. Don’t let this statement discredit my time at Emerson; it was cherished and gave me a great basis on which to being my journey.
I feel that it’s too soon in my evolving career to relay to others the work that has led me to where I am now, as any indication that such work paved the way for this job would be false and incredibly misleading to impressionable students.
I hope you understand. Thanks.
Adam
Only some people are capable or totally nailing their Twitter/Facebook status updates; most people just aren’t down with the times and either come off as unintelligent or self-indulgent. And once in a while you’ll find an update that is neither great nor horrible, but normal and insignificant nonetheless. Today, I’m putting 15 of my following/friends on the line as I play the newest judgmental social networking game that’s sweeping the internet: YAY, NAY, OR OKAY!
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uh oh - alice & wonderland looks terrible NAY. First, get the title correct. And please, leave your elite movie-going ego at the door. If you’re going to describe your dislike for a heavily anticipated movie, at least use a word inferior to “terrible”. We should praise your superior nobility because you’re going against the grain… right, I get it.
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saw “Public Enemies” last night… eh. NAY. See above. You’re also a few weeks behind.
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is working OKAY. You’re working. Great. I don’t really care, but thanks for the general update.
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heading to western MA for the weekend OKAY. Again, thanks for the info, and my nips tingle for Western Mass, but I need a little something more for this status to provoke a full-body tingle.
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is ready for a beer…. anyone want to join?!?!?! YAY. I love beer, too! And, today being Friday, everyone can relate to desperately needing a cold one after a hectic week. This update is not only informative and relatable; it’s purposeful, as the resulting comments will provide fellow drinkers for this beer adventure, as well as a time/place to meet. Well done.
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Quick pole… should I rock the mohawk? OKAY. You spelled “pole” the way I’d refer to my dick. The only things that saved you from getting a “nay” are the facts that mohawks are awesome and you’ll probably get a lot of great comments.
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doesn’t remember all of last night but knows it was a blast. Now standing in line at Starbucks so I cam stand in line at Comic Con… NAY. This is a typical example of poor tense and point-of-view use. Please stay consistent. Also, spelling and punctuation are important. Oh, and way to slyly induce envy by bringing up your attendance to an event that everyone wants to be at, douchebag.
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was steamrollered last night for the first time ever. I feel so loved! Oh, Noteworthians… YAY. Everyone loves a good inside joke, and the only way of incorporating one into a status update is if there are enough commenters to support it. This makes you and everyone involved look so connected.
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good mornin, good moooooornin! doot doodoo doo dooooo… NAY. The lyrics are “We’ve talked the whole night through.” At least you tried to express that in “doo” form, but you missed a syllable and the rhythm is off.
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“A winding path on which to wander. Time to question and consider. And occasionally, a kiss. I’d like nothing more than this.” NAY. Uncited quotes are out, unless it’s something that is completely current and absolutely recognizable by everyone.
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lol NAY. What are you laughing at?
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I’m on a bus motherfucker, take a look at me Straight ridin’ on a bus back to NYC NAY. “I’m On A Boat” references were never cool and they never will be, even if you think you’re clever by changing the vessel on which you’re ridin’.
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went to west midtown when he meant to go to east midtown for the second time in a month. OKAY. OMG you live in New York City. Get over yourself. But everyone who loves or lives in the city would find your mistake hilarious, so it’s okay.
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Invasion by HUNDREDS OF MINI CUPCAKES!! YAY. At first I was frightened by the alien danger denoted by the word “invasion”. Then I was even more concerned imagining you suffocating under all those cupcakes. Then I just got jealous.
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conundrum city. YAY. Minimalist, yet plenty descriptive. A+.
