I joined the Daily Bruin four years ago because I wanted to
improve my writing. After two years of being a writer, I decided to
edit and help improve the writing of other reporters. Yet, aside
from all the things I’ve learned about journalism, I think my
experience at The Bruin has really helped to enforce my need and
desire to be inspired by other writers.
Those who know me best are aware that I absolutely adore and
admire two American writers: F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of the
“The Great Gatsby,” and acclaimed television writer and
“Ally McBeal” creator, David E. Kelley. I know others
must think I’m simply being obsessive. But, my eyes light up
at any mention of these two authors. I believe they capture the
essence of people’s thoughts and desires so perfectly that
it’s almost magical the way their words evoke feelings in me
I didn’t even know I had.
I envy Gatsby’s passion for Daisy and devotion to his
life-long quest to attain her because I know there are very few
people in this world who experience that kind of love.
Similarly, Ally’s constant concern for herself and almost
pathetic inability to let go of someone who left her is very real
to me, partly because I believe there’s a bit of Ally in all
of us. That desire to please only ourselves, to seek the things
that make us happy no matter what the cost, and of course the
desire to share our lives with someone who we love more than life
itself.
One of my dreams has always been to meet the writers I admire so
much, and this quarter, I’ve had a few opportunities to meet
and introduce myself to Mr. Kelley himself. Just the other day
though, I gave up an ideal chance to do that, not because I was
scared or didn’t have anything to say, but because I decided
his spoken words could never match the brilliant dialogue spoken in
Ally’s fictitious world. I know it’s the same person,
but the power of the written word, to me, speaks volumes above what
is said aloud because it possesses the power to create so many
different images in different people’s minds.
I’ve bemoaned for days now about giving up the opportunity
to talk to Mr. Kelley in person to nearly everyone I know; but,
I’ve come to realize how much more I’d rather admire
his work from afar than attempt to tell him some meaningless
gibberish in person. I know the magic, at that point, would be
lost.
In response to a letter I wrote to him a year ago, Mr. Kelley
wrote to me and said, “Hearing your kind words is like
winning another award. Thank you for your well wishes.”
Regardless of whether or not he wrote me back personally, I know,
deep down, I’ll always be silently inspired by this response
and Kelley’s amazing ability to convey great meaning and
great laughs in his quirky, but absolutely lovable, television
characters. And I think that’s all I really want.