Despite writing for The Comenian, I’ve never thought of being an English major. Economics is my first passion, but during my time at Moravian, I’ve found that writing is a close second.

Economics and writing may seem different, but an economic mind can greatly inform one’s writing. Economics is all about efficiency. As my writing has evolved, I have realized that I’m an “economic writer,” writing short, direct sentences with little unnecessary adornment.

I never wrote for my high school newspaper, and I didn’t join The Comenian until my junior year. However, writing for The Comenian has provided me with a good application for my economic writing. Whether I was writing a news story or a spotlight on one of my favorite songs, I always made sure my writing was efficient. In its staff, The Comenian has also provided me with a great community of writers.

I write outside of The Comenian as well. Since my senior year of high school, I have written fiction of some kind or another on a daily basis. When I stop writing and look over what I have written throughout those years, I love seeing how much my writing has developed. Throughout my time in college, I have found a distinct style and voice, my vocabulary has expanded, and my grammar has improved. And I have The Comenian, as well as my college classes, to thank for that.

The most important thing I have learned about writing is that you should do it every day. Keep a journal or diary. Write poetry. Reflect on every day’s events, or filter them through a fictional lens.

I write every day whether it is for class or for leisure. And writing, at least for me, requires the right environment. For me, that environment always includes music. Music helps me focus more on what I’m writing. That may be distracting for many, but any background noise to break the silence around you can help you focus on writing. My ideal writing environment also uses little lighting, usually just my desk lamp.

I realize that what works for me probably won’t work for everyone else, but find what works for you. Find the conditions that are most conducive to your writing, and make yourself a writing nook.

As with anything, writing can be hard. Writer’s block is a very real and serious thing. Even though I think you should write every day, know when to walk away and take a break from writing as well.

I can honestly say I would not be where I am today if I didn’t write daily. That’s why I think everyone should write. Inspiration is everywhere. All you have to do is look around. Journalism can help you look for an idea in the most minute of events. Not only did The Comenian help me grow as a writer, it also made me more observant. And for that, as well as everything else The Comenian has provided me with, I am thankful.