English 280: The Journalistic Essay

Our final writing prompt for the semester went something like this: The first student wrote three lines on a sheet a notebook paper. She folded the paper down so only the last line was visible, then passed it onto the next student. That student wrote three lines playing off of the visible line, folded it down so only her last line was visible, and then passed it on to the next student, repeating the process until everyon had had a chance to write. This is what we had come up with by the end of the class (the visible line is in italics):

On the verge of jumping into the choppy ocean we in academia call “the real world,” I’m afraid I’ll jump clinging to my pen, my paper, my voice.

These are my instruments of communication. These are what I use to reach the masses.

Ah, yes, the masses. These crowds of people, many holding signs, most chanting in support or to picket. Whatever their opinion, if they step out of line, they will be tasered.

People are being tasered everyday on the news. They are protesting things that they believe in. Even if they know they are going to lose.

Losing happens but, hey, it’s cool. People that never lose and are given everything never gain the ability to learn, build character and improve themselves.

These are the opportunities presented to you at college. In the past, school represented knowledge and leading a richer life, but now it seems to have developed into just getting that piece of paper.

One small piece of paper that means so much. Four long, hard years have passed working for this achievement.

Finally, after years of “No’s” and unreturned phone calls she got the big break she was waiting for. There was no stopping her now until the unthinkable happened.

She toiled over her efforts daily, working closer and closer to the promised land. Stepping over everyone and anything she loved, she was going to get what was coming her way.

Her life was already over before it began. She was left with nothing an no matter how hard she tried her heart was left empty and she was useless.

And then she died, and everyone lived happily ever after.