Well-timed Words

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

“What are you going to do with an English major?” was a common question from friends and family during my college years. Most people assumed I planned to be a teacher or work in academia. Although I think that the world can always use more people who are good communicators, I understood my loved ones’ concern about the practicality of my chosen path.

As a result, I decided to earn a mass communications minor to increase my marketability. I hoped the public relations and marketing classes would provide the business-minded foundation I needed.

One of the classes I took was an introduction to newspapers. A few of the assignments dealt specifically with editing, and after one of them, my professor pulled me aside.

“You’ve been really good at the editing we’ve done in class,” he said. “Have you ever thought about joining the copydesk at the student newspaper?”

I was simultaneously flattered and caught off guard. Work for the newspaper? What would that even entail? I had never considered it.

I wasn’t sure, but—bolstered by his encouragement—I headed down to the lower level of the building where the newspaper was located. The student editor was in his office, and I stumbled nervously over my words as I explained that I’d like to work on the copydesk. To my surprise, he agreed to take me on.

I’m grateful for my professor’s timely words. They gave me the push I needed to try something new and led to a career in journalism that I continued to pursue for the next decade.

Our words matter in profound ways. Depending on how we wield them, they can “bring death or life”—they can spur doubt or destroy our identity, or they can foster a skill or birth new dreams. My professor’s generous advice led me to consider a skill I didn’t realize I possessed, sending me down a new path. His words had an impact long after the semester was over.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Think of a person who said something positive to you that changed the direction of your life in some way. Reach out to thank them for the gift of kind words.