"I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming."

To hiding on the backstreets. Hiding on the backstreets, Where we swore forever friends. On the backstreets until the end."

I wrote the previous Father's Day post yesterday afternoon. Last night, at approximately 7 pm we lost one of the greatest Sax players to have ever lived, Clarence Clemons. I felt his loss. I never had the oppurtunity to see him play with Springsteen live. And now, it will never be the same.

Naturally I heard the news via twitter, and ran to tell my dad. We skimmed the NYT article together and sat in disbelief. My dad quickly got up and came back with a huge poster I had never seen before. "I have to get this framed now, I got it at the last concert I went to." The poster is the cover of the "Born to Run," album. The classic image of Springsteen resting his arm on someone's shoulder who he is fondly smiling at. It is only once you open the album that you see whose shoulder he's leaning on--Clarence's. The poster is the album cover in full.

We watched the story on the evening news at 11 together. And then my dad pulled out his DVD of Springsteen's Born to Run album. It contained a bootlegged video of Bruce and the E Street band playing in London, the only footage of the band in full in their first 24 years together. We watched Clarence rock out on that sax during my favorite song, Jungleland. And then we watched the making of the album. Bruce poured everything he had into that album. And there's Clarence, talking about how much he loved Bruce and this album. And it gave me goosebumps. All the while my dad is sharing stories about Bruce, things I never knew about him and the band. I'm so lucky to have a father like him.

And I'm lucky that I'm starting to get to know him as a person, not just my dad. All these years I always attributed his love of "The Boss" to his adolescence, some teenage boy who admired from the start. My dad cracked a smile as he started telling me the first time he heard "Born to Run." He never really liked him bef Springsteen ore then, didn't get the big deal. He was driving with a girl he was dating at the time, and the song came on the radio (he explained AM/FM radio to me. I explained that while technology has advanced, I 'm still very much aware of what a radio is, and in fact an avid user) for the first time and she screamed and said "This is it! Pull over, pull over!" She wouldn't even let him keep driving. She made him stop and just sit there and listen to the song in silence.

As saddened as I am by "the big man's" death, I do not think I could have conjured up a more beautiful start to my father's day this year. At two in the morning, it was just my dad and I sitting in the living room reflecting on the loss of a legend, and our mutual love for great music.

"The screen door slams, Mary's dress waves, like a vision she dances across the porch as the radio plays"

Happy, happy Father’s day! Like any girl, I am indebted to my father for so very much: a home, food, clothing, and security. Yet his influence is not limited to, nor highlighted, in these material possessions. It is the examples he sets, the never ending stream of motivation he produces, and his huge, open and loving heart that have had the greatest impact on me. He is the main man; my friend, coach, cheerleader, and best critic. I owe my self-confidence, courage, and ability to bait a hook to him. He has taught me valuable lessons just by making me a huge part of his life. So, I just wanted to thank him, for all he has given me, and for helping me become the young woman that I am. So Dad, thank you. Thank you for showing me that everyone deserves forgiveness, that the best thing to do with a fish once you’ve caught it is to throw it back, and, despite my lack of athletic ability, (and age) always asking if I want to go play catch in the backyard.

Thank you for:

Bruce Springsteen: For blasting The Boss in your truck when I was just a wee squirt, and introducing me to one of your influencers. As I’ve grown, Springsteen has come to influence me, and you really were the medium through which that happened. (And as I write this, Tenth Avenue Freeze Out just came on the radio!) And thanks for having the most comprehensive collection of his work, I don’t think I’m missing a version of a single song.

Telling me to “Shake it off.” Whether it was a scraped knee, or the painful sting of hurt feelings, you were the first person to not just console me, but help me move and get on with life. Your “shake off the pain” mentality has followed me throughout life and is exercised in all that I do.

Teaching me that healthy is beautiful: For being my coach and health guru. You taught me to nurture genuine self-esteem and to push myself physically. Thanks for always dragging me to the gym, because as you always say, “You just feel better after a good work out! You work out, you shower, and you can accomplish anything. It helps you clear your mind, focus on your work and kill the stress of your day.”

Dad, you are absolutely right. Thank you for pushing me to workout because you know the positive effects it has on one’s emotional and mental health, and not for ever letting me get sucked into the harsh expectations the media creates for young girls. Thank you for wanting to go on bike rides with me. Whether its around town on a summer evening, or down the shore on an extreme ride, you are up for anything. I realize how lucky I am, that I have a father who loves to spend time with his daughters.

Thanks for making me fresh squeezed juice before we hit the gym, and thank you for those delicious Jersey tomatoes you grow in your garden. Thanks for growing a garden. Thanks for teaching me the benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables. Thanks for stressing a healthy lifestyle—it has impacted me more than you could ever come to realize, and is a major contributor of my self-confidence.

Making your own rules. Playing any board or card game with you is both hysterical and frustrating, because you are always under the impression there are no rules. Remember the time we played Monopoly (it was the first and last) and you were being your ridiculous self?

“Hey, Alex, I have a business proposition for you—it’s a really big deal, you know, you can’t pass this up! It’s SO cool.”

“Mm, yes Dad, what is it?”

“Now prepare yourself for the deal of a lifetime. I’m going to sell you my top hat!”

“WHAT?? You mean your token piece? You can’t sell your marker, and why would I even buy that?! Dad, WHAT are you talking about?!”

“Sure I can, this is MONOPOLY, I can sell whatever I want! Don’t you know anything about this game?!”

I refused to play Monopoly with you ever again. You did however, teach me to question the rules, and to ask “why not?”

For not being that frightening father at my t-ball games. You know, the one who would get red in the face with anger as he stormed around yelling and throwing things because his son did not run fast enough. Thanks for being easy going. And knowing that the point is to have fun.

Teaching me how to fish. For raising a daughter who, to this day, is definitely not afraid of ripping a worm in two and wrapping it around a hook. You raised a daughter who understands that hard work is often messy, frustrating, and not always fun, yet without it, success is impossible. Thank you for teaching me how to take the fish off the hook without hurting it or myself. I think this is where I got lucky, that I’m blessed with a dad who taught me to how to handle success, to avoid the harmful fins of jealousy, ego, and superiority. That, in life, it is not just about getting the things we never thought we could, but holding on to them. It is preserving valuable relationships, maneuvering through life without trying to cause each other harm. It is the way you handle your successes that defines who you really are. And of course, thank you for always throwing the fish back (sometimes kissing it first). Because of you, I know that true strength comes from letting go and that giving back is the greatest reward.

Feeding the deer. You hunt. Yet everyday, at 6pm you go out to leave crack corn for the deer. You get all excited when they come by, flip on the outside deck light, and just watch them. But you’ll take a day off of work to go hunting. So thanks for teaching me life is about contradiction.

For teaching me that “You can’t always get what you want.”

Always stressing the importance of family. That no matter what I do, who I chose to be friends with or date, or where I decide to live, my family will always love and support me. Always. No matter what. Thank you for your (MY) big, amazing Italian family. They are the rock I lean on, and where I extract my strength and courage.

Not being an asshole. Ever. Seriously. They say girls date and marry guys like their father (man do I have high expectations). Luckily for me, I’m not attracted to assholes, because I haven’t grown up with one. I don’t put up with being disrespected, because I know there are guys out there who treat women right.

HOWEVER

Making mistakes sometimes. Thanks for saying some less than intelligent things at quite possibly the worst of times. Thanks for embarrassing me from time to time. You made me realize NO guy is perfect, not even you, and guys do and say stupid things sometimes. And they don’t mean them. It just happens. Cut ‘em some slack.

Dad, I know every girl thinks her father is the best one out there, but you truly are the best guy. It’s true. Everyone loves Peter, everyone knows what a great guy he is, how much he loves his family, and that he would do anything for the ones he loves. You make everyone laugh and feel comfortable. You have the biggest heart, out of anyone I have ever met.

They say (Ok, so they = John Mayer) daughters love like their fathers do. Thank you. For teaching me that love matters more than anything else. And that everyone deserves it. Just like everyone deserves forgiveness. You always joke that you “Shoulda had boys!” In fact, remember how you knew I was going to be a boy? You and mom didn’t even check, you just knew. Peter Pisauro IV. Guess again, papa! No son for you. And Joelle is a girl. So, no son for you!

But you know, in my biased opinion, I don’t think you were meant to have boys. I think daughters are reserved for the best of guys, because it is the best of guys who deserve daughters. Yeah, you could have roughhoused with boys a bit more, but daughters feel their father’s influence more. Dad, thank you, for nurturing within me the greatest self-confidence and self-respect. Thank you for teaching me to love the way you do. I could not be more proud of the part of me that is a reflection of you and your love.

"Because the night belongs to lovers, because the night belongs us"

Robert Mapplethorpe, "Untitled" (Patti Smith) 1973

A couple of weeks ago I finally finished Patti Smith's best-selling book, Just Kids. It documents Smith's escapades in the New York City art circle during the tumultuous late sixties, and the beginning and the end of the life-changing relationship she shared with Robert Mapplethorpe.

Smith is a legend and an icon, and this memoir captures the magic of her rise to success. One feels honored to be told her secrets, and privileged to know the details of her intimate, ever-changing relationship with Mapplethorpe. This is by far, one of the best pieces of nonfiction writing I have read. I will suggest it to everyone, although it is better suited for those with a love of Smith, and some knowledge of sixties pop culture so that when Smith tells you Allen Ginsberg was in the audience of her readings you can grasp the high level of talent that saturated Smith's world.

Yes, some will appreciate this book more than others, but I think it can be appreciated by all who love 'love.' This is not a love story. It is a story about love. Love of art, love of creation, and a love between two people that thrived off change.

"We needed time to figure out what all of this meant, how we were going to come terms and redefine what our love was called. I learned from him that often contradiction is the clearest way to truth."

Excuses, Excuses

Usually, I lack an excuse for my lack of consistent blogging. That is not the case as of late, as I am busy creating a new blog. You know, one of those professional ones, the kind where you archive all of your work and your grown up opinions about things that matter. I know, I hate it too.

However, had to do it. I will provide a link for it once it's finally up and running, but do not visit if you are looking to read something of color and sparkle.

As much as I love journalism, I do not always find it the most intriguing of topics to focus a blog around. I think journalism itself is an interest in others and culture. Thus this blog showcases those interests, not journalism as a subject. Yes, I read the NYT daily, but I don't really think anyone would find my opinion of articles very interesting. It is not that my opinions are not intelligent, or presented well. Rather, just dull when I reflect on budget cuts or politics. Now, wouldn't you rather read about gay glitter bombs? I sure would!

If, however, you find journalism to be a fascinating art form and crucial component in a functioning democracy, then please pay it a visit upon its completion! I will discuss my internship, what I'm learning because of it, my work, and my interest in journalism overall.

I think the creation of a "professional" blog will propel the success of this one, because it is removing a lot of my guilt. I created this blog as a means to publish my thoughts, yet the pompous bubble of that damn J-school makes me feel as though this blog is not serious enough. I struggled with how to incorporate more "mature" (ahem, dull) content into this blog. I decided to just separate the two, and create a whole new blog. Now that I have an outlet to showcase my resume and intelligent opinions, I no longer feel ashamed that this blog is fun and full of sparkle. Now I'm free to embrace said fun and sparkle, you know, when I choose to blog at all.

Basically:

NEW blog = NYT

This blog= People magazine

People might not be as respected or intelligent as the NYT, but let's face it, more people want to read it... which ACTUALLY is a key point in my first post: "Should journalists give the people what they want, or offer them what they should want? " (If you could careless then please stay here and soak up my thoughts on TARGET $1 daisies, the rarity of true friends, and Marc Jacobs 2011 resort collection!)

Happy Friday loves! Thought I'd share this little fa-la-la with you all, because what is more uplifting for the weekend than a headstone, right? The GOOD, asked if this was the most beautiful headstone in the world. Although I won't answer with a yes, I do find it stunning with its simplicity and sleekness.

It was the gorgeous epitaph of this deceased broadcaster and Joy Division discoverer, which prompted me to post this. It is an excerpt from Manchester Man.

"Mutability is the epitaph of worlds.

Change alone is changeless.

People drop out of the history of a life as of a land,

though their work or their influence

remains."

"Hold up your head, think about brighter days."

hello. This is Barefoot Truth. They have become one of my favorite bands within the past year.

I like to share. So here.

You should listen. Ok, that's all.

One more thing, you may thank me later.

"You're the last of your kind, Mona Lisa. With a wink of your eye, make it all right. Oh, there's more left to life, Mona Lisa."

I was talking with a very close, beloved friend the other night and she mentioned (still after two years) how much she loves a poem I gave her as part of a graduation gift. Desiderata, meaning "Things Desired" in Latin, is the most perfect poem. As she was reminding me of this, I realized how I hadn't uploaded it on here yet. In fact, I'm quite surprised that I haven't.

No matter who you are or where you are at in life, this poem pertains to you. It is applicable to every imaginable situation you could find yourself in (and I'm speaking from personal experience here). It's taped to my bedroom at home and I have a copy for college. It was included in all of my friend's graduation gifts. I want to bold my favorite parts, but that would result in me highlighting every single line.

So here it is, and I hope it brightens your day, everyday.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interest in your own career, however humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment is it perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome disciple, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

"She's just an American riding dream. And she's got a rainbow syrup in her heart that she bleeds."

Oh hi. Remember me? I'm the person who told you she would blog everyday and then didn't. Let's not talk about it.

What we can talk about is this beautiful journal I just purchased, and these "all new" BLACK pencils. They're not even all that great, I'm just amused and find them humorous. Actually, I haven't even sharpened them for use yet. Perhaps writing with them would have proved useful in writing a better review of this product. However, who cares about their practicality, or the satisfaction level when I get sheer enjoyment out of the package?

I find them clever. Maybe you do. Maybe you don't. Either way; HAVING AN OPINION IS THE NEW BLACK.

So is buying writing utensils just to photograph them apparently.

"I have watched you like watching the rain. Come to my hands. Feel the air drift through my fingers"

Want to talk about classy? Who else is the epitome of class but Kate Middleton? I’ve been admiring her long before she walked down that gorgeous aisle, because her svelte figure, classic good looks and impeccable sense of style signaled her upcoming influence. As if her wedding dress was not enough, she continues to dazzle with a simple, yet stunning, wardrobe.

Looking absolutely flawless in a Jenny Packham gown

I'm a sucker for nude pumps, not to mention I love the warm, neutral ensemble.

It's Reiss, the brand that is skyrocketing in fame and selling out due to this royal's wear of it.

Kate stuns in yet another Reiss dress while meeting with President Obama and Michelle. Not surprisingly the dress sold out almost instantly online.

Only Kate can make these gloves look good. Even her casual style is polished, fresh and chic.

Looking lovely in audacious red. She proves you can make an austere suit skirt youthful.

"Holding on to what we got, because what we got is who we are, and who we are is everything"

Sharing a heavy dose of character today! (And yes I am aware that I am, oh you know, six days behind. It’s been pointed out to me by multiple people. Multiple times. I’m playing catch up! )

“Meaningful things happen when you give someone your undivided, undistracted, attention. Because that’s what everyone is really looking for: to be validated, appreciated, heard. To be raised up by their interactions and not put down. I know for sure: when we connect to what’s alive in another person, the feeling is mutual. And we both get a lift.”

This is my favorite quote. I cannot fathom something more accurate and true than these words. Naturally, they are my own. Naturally, they belong to the most powerful woman in the world, Oprah.

I had pulled this from one of her magazines, because at the time I was dealing with a person who stopped giving me her attention, even after years of friendship. I grappled for the perfect words to explain that her neglect was not just rude or mean, but was making me feel insignificant. When you withhold your attention from someone, or don’t provide enough positive attention, you are capable of igniting insecurity in the other person about your shared relationship.

Too often we assume another person is aware of how much they mean to us. I think a lot of the time we refrain from stating the obvious, from simply saying “thank you,” and “I appreciate you,” to those who need to hear it the most.

On her final show, Oprah had a segment related directly to this quote. She talked about how everyone is looking for the same thing. Every single person that had been on her show was searching for validation. Above appreciation, we all need to be validated in our relationships. We need to know that we matter and that the judgments we perceive are nothing more than imagined fallacies.

Oprah explained that if there was one thing she learned her whole life, this was it. And after the trying (and fabulous) relationships I’ve had, I’ve got to agree with O. Everyone just wants to know that they genuinely matter. That they are valued. And when you ignore someone, you chip away at that foundation of validation.

The truest way to that validation and appreciation is the simple act of paying attention. I was already insecure in a relationship, and I can assure you that walking into a room and not having that person pull their eyes off their computer screen to greet me stung. Not just because it was rude, or because that person was busy, but because that simple lack of attention made me feel insignificant in a relationship where I already perceived myself to not be good enough.

Tables turned when I thought I was stating the obvious to a good friend. The time-honored girl truth: that friends matter more than a guy. I felt ridiculous even having to say out loud, “Well you know you always matter more than any guy, right?!” Her look of genuine, but happy surprise and gracious “Oooooh really!? Thank you!” floored me. I never thought something so obvious needed an explicit statement. And honestly, for a while I thought it was odd that her response wasn’t “Oh, of course I know that!” Until I realized, that she didn’t know it. Somehow I had not relayed to her my validation of our friendship. And it wasn’t through a negative action, or anything that would refute my statement, but my lack of directly acknowledging her value.

Of course, both of these examples are also a reflection of the relationships themselves that are both far from perfect (as if there is such a thing), but I think we take for granted the power of attention. The simple act of granting another our undivided attention relays validation, which I’ve come to find, is the true definition of a friendship.

You cannot validate someone’s presence in your life if you place him on the back burner constantly, or flake out on her. Assuring them that you are hearing them will convey your appreciation for them, and your ignorance will no doubt spark a sense of insecurity. Be careful which you choose, but O is right, when you both connect to one another you both walk away feeling confident in your relationship and yourselves.

“I’ve talked to 30,000 people on this show and they all wanted validation. Everybody wants to know, ‘Do you see me? Do you hear me? Does what I say mean anything?”

-Oprah

Well Oprah, I hear you loud and clear, and I couldn’t possibly agree more.

"It's a brand new day, the sun is shining... for the first time, in a long, long time, I know I'll be OK"

Happy Friday! First beach day of the season for me! I won't be back until tomorrow, but I'd thought I'd leave this video for you to watch. My heart still goes out to all those in Joplin, but this circus that used their elephants to help move rubble is pretty fabulous!

"My kind of wonderful, that's what you are. I know there's only one like you, there's no way they could have made two."

Digressing from the basic 5c's, I'd thought I'd share two other ones today: commencement and charming!

Who could possibly resist the class and beauty that is Tiffany and Co.? As if the beloved name, stunning diamonds and iconic bow and box were not enough to make every female swoon, "What Makes True Love," definitely will.

The website captures romance and love in the sleekest of designs, complete with an interactive map that allows one to mark themselves and their true love with initials and their love story. Genius interaction + heart flipping = the best type of marketing.

Included is Tiffany Tips for when love gets serious, which are as precious as they are true and timeless. Don't you just want to print them out and hang them up? A few of my favorites:

^NO. 40

Know someone's favorites. Favorite flowers, favorite authors. Favorite designers. How she takes her coffee, shaken, not stirred. Get the drift?

^NO. 377

Jealousy Hurts.

On the surface jealousy is simply a lack of trust.

And that is not a good sign.

But if it is justified, this train is going nowhere.

^NO. 3030

Open New Doors Together.

Don’t sit back. Step out.

The adventures you share build bonds that last forever.

New adventures entail some risk,

and risk can be quite intoxicating.

^NO. 1313

Bring Back The Love Letter.

Make no mistake about it:

there is nothing quite so tender and romantic

as receiving a love letter.

Yes, handwritten on nice stationery

and delivered just to you.

A step up from texting, isn’t it?

^NO. 22

The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living.

That’s what Socrates thought a few thousand years ago.

And he makes a big point today for couples in love.

Only when you know yourself can you truly love another.

^NO. 66

Walk Together.

For centuries walking was at the center of courtship.

It still is, but without vigilant chaperones close behind.

On a walk silence is permitted.

On a walk difficult subjects can be broached.

On a walk, hand-in-hand, two hearts can be one.

But really, only Tiffany's could pull off something so lovely and beautiful. And of course there are the romantic stories posted of oh-so-cute-I-could-squeal-or-vomit couples. The fourth square completes the set with an ode to Tiffany's in New York highlighting the most romantic places, meals and cocktails the city has to offer.

Those who hurry can download Joshua Radin's interpretation of the song, "You're the First, the Last, my Everything," right from the site, as well as browse other films and music that showcase love in all its glory. (You know the classics: Breakfast at Tiffany's, Barefoot in the Park, When Harry Met Sally).

Tiffany's proves its timeless charm once again, as it simultaneously integrates multimedia into its marketing campaign. It's sleek, well packaged and classic; everything Tiffany stands for.

______________________________________________

In other, not-so-mushy-gushy news, is this fabulous commencement speech I stumbled upon while reading some blogs suggested to me through my PR internship (more on that to come!). The blog itself is helpful, and the article itself examined the best and worst graduation speeches. I wanted to share this highlighted speech, because I found it truly gripping and inspiring, as well as practical for journalism students. As I become more of a Social Media Queen this summer, Robert Kulwrich's words resonate louder than ever about the best way to break into journalism. Basically, he encourages new journalists to rely on their own innovation, to partner with their colleagues and friends and make something of themselves instead of clamoring to secure a job with a major company, which could be anything but secure. If you are a journalism student, I highly recommend reading it here, as it put this whole "Uhh I might not have a job..." fear into perspective. If you are lazy, and choose to pass on reading the whole thing (you're missing out!) I've listed some key points:

• "But the question’s still a good one: How these days does anybody get a good job in journalism, a job where you are surrounded by good people, people you envy and admire, people like the folks you just spent two years with at this school? (I mean not all of them –but I imagine that each of you now have one or two or maybe three friends that you made here that you know are good at what they do, and sometimes better than good… and sometimes better than you. )"
• "So how do you taste more of what you tasted here, which (if I can presume) includes the thrill of occasionally writing a good sentence, of asking exactly the right question at the right moment, of making two pieces of tape fit perfectly together, of getting to meet new people, go new places, see things unfold… these little satisfactions of journalism… how can you have more of that?"

• "I am here to tell you, that you are stepping into a world that is riper, more pregnant with newness, new ideas, new beats, new opportunities than most generations of journalists before you. You are lucky to be you, very lucky, though you may not be feeling it at the moment."
• "And I remember saying to him on that day… in that office, me on my side of his desk, and him on his side, in the setting sun… “Here’s the difference, Charles, between my generation and yours. Here’s what my friends will never do, that you and your friends DID do: we will never trust a company that hires us, no matter how good, how proud it is at this moment, to stay loyal to us. To protect us. We will never put our faith in a corporation, even a good one. We can’t. Because everything we know tells us that we will be disappointed. That we are vulnerable. And you, sitting here, are just another example of what my friends already know.”
• "But there are some people, who don’t wait. I don’t know exactly what's going on inside them; but they have this… hunger. It’s almost like an ache. Something inside you says I can’t wait to be asked I just have to jump in and do it."
• "Journalism doesn’t have to be your first love… or your only love."

• "What you love can differ, but the love, once it comes, that feeling of waking up with a kind of eagerness, a crazy momentum that pushes you into your day, an excitement you realize you don’t ever want to go way… that’s important. If you don’t have that feeling, maybe you’re lucky. You can lead a more sane life. But if you do – I say congratulations. You have what it takes to begin."
• "Instead, think about getting together with friends that you admire, or envy. Think about entrepeneuring. Think about NOT waiting for a company to call you up. Think about not giving your heart to a bunch of adults you don’t know. Think about horizontal loyalty. Think about turning to people you already know, who are your friends, or friends of their friends and making something that makes sense to you together, that is as beautiful or as true as you can make it."
• "And maybe, for your generation, the Trojan Horse is what you’ve got, your talent, backed by a legion of friends. Not friends in high places. This is the era of Friends in Low Places. The ones you meet now, who will notice you, challenge you, work with you, and watch your back. Maybe they will be your strength."
• "But what I’ve noticed is that people who fall in love with journalism, who stay at it, who stay stubborn, very often win. I don’t know why, but I’ve seen it happen over and over."
• "If you can… fall in love, with the work, with people you work with, with your dreams and their dreams. Whatever it was that got you to this school, don’t let it go. Whatever kept you here, don’t let that go. Believe in your friends. Believe that what you and your friends have to say… that the way you’re saying it – is something new in the world."