Articles of the Mind

Here's something positive:
I really really like my magazine journalism class. It's one of those "aaahhhh" moments when you feel you can sink into something that brings less anxiety than it does comfort and creativity. It's a rather small gathering of people ranging from pierced-lip punkers to preppy know-it-alls. Nevertheless, we somehow all manage to sit around a rectangular table with coffee cups in hand and throw around ideas about articles, page layout, and pitches.
Today I met a girl from Austria who is on visit for the year- she's eternally happy, but not in an annoying way, just in the positive vibes all over way. I can tell there is definitely a barrier between cultures that causes me to feel a bit uncomfortable when there are pauses between conversation, like Austrians speak on a string of conversation that ceases to stop, guided by multiple personal questions. She's lovely though, and doesn't emanate the certain vibe that most girls around her do. We talked about Austria and how they have free education there for all and that's why a lot of Germans are trying to immigrate. We got chai tea, walked on the rain-soaked asphalt, and tried to add each other on Facebook via iPhone to no avail.
I pitched my idea to the class on why facial hair in men (i.e. mustaches and beards) is a great trend that everyone should get in on. I expressed my odd love of the stache and how there's no end to its influence on our current culture. I love it...and my class loved it. There are a lot of friendly faces in this journalism world of mine, even the professor seems amused with the material.
Mostly, it makes me feel I have a purpose, like a professional. I go to this four hour night class and come out with a sense of purpose and here is my purpose for this week:
1. Solidify my article on facial hair with a **hopeful** email interview with the Sartorialist.
2. Write an article on thrifting vs. shopping in department stores, taking photos of compared outfits, and offering the lower and more reasonable price for the student on a budget.
Aside from worrying about math, love, essays, work, and money, journalism is finding it's comfortable place in my life just like I hoped it would.
Adieu