Last week, a Yale student journalist and recently graduated senior Marina Keegan died in a car accident. The tragedy received national attention because of stories Keegan had written that solicited conversation across the web. I read through some of her clips from the Yale Daily News, and respect not only Marina's fascinating writing ability, but the pieces she wrote and the themes these uncovered. I want to share three of her stories and encourage you to check them out.
The opposite of loneliness: Right before her college graduation, Marina wrote about the feeling that is the opposite of being lonely, for which no words can describe. Such a feeling is so prominent on a college campus where you really feel at home, because of living in dormitories, close circles of friends and courses and activities that bring people together. She explains how this feeling is something to celebrate and not solely believe you can only live once. We should strive to live the opposite of loneliness- maintaining relationships and pursuing opportunities that let us enjoy life.
Even artichokes have doubts: Being the story that sparked conversation across the country, Marina explains how a large chunk of college graduates enter finance and consulting professions after college. She writes that business recruiters have the system down, know how to recruit undergrads and make jobs that they were unaware of and even uninterested in seem incredibly appealing. Many of these jobs contribute to keeping the rich richer and studies report that people want to fulfill altruistic goals. Because of this, Marina drives students to maintain their passions and not let a salary or benefits drive your career choice.
Senior year without society: In this piece, she writes about how you don't need to be tapped into a secret society to enjoy college and meet others you would not have met. With this tradition at Yale being just as prominent at Mizzou, this well-written essay keeps us looking at our experiences with optimism and not hostility.
(check your artichokes link)
ReplyDeleteBut I am genuinely impressed by her writing. Although reading "The opposite of loneliness" is heart wrenching as she mentions growing up, being so young, etc. I guess you genuinely have to live life to the fullest as if any minute may be your last. It's sad.
On that somber note, want to let you know as always that I love you and treasure you as a friend :) I (hopefully, knock on wood) am not going anywhere, but reading all this makes me want to tell those I love that I love em dearly.