I think I had a recent revelation in my journey in uncovering purpose. That amidst this uncertainty, I have perhaps gained more insight into what direction I want to go, where I want to take my energies in life. And it was all spurred through a spontaneous chat with a stranger in a park, the owner of a calm, white, mid-sized but long-haired dog.
Out for my daily walk, I took a pause in a park, a park shaped in a narrow oval surrounding large duck pond. I found a little hill to engage in a little meditation. Though I was continuously opening my eyes with the many distracting noises surrounding me. A 
gentleman noticed my concentration, or lack thereof, and inquired about my ‘yoga’. A few pleasantries were exchanged, and I soon asked about his dog. He brought him up, and standing 2 meters apart we launched into a causal conversation spanning politics, the current COVID pandemic, stereotypes about various Americans, and of course what we do. This would otherwise be a rather unforgettable conversation with a random stranger, a short source of happiness, if it weren’t for his casual response to asking what I wanted to do with what I have studied. “What do you want to do with that… Journalism maybe?”
After talking to Mike, this newfound acquaintance in my neighborhood, my mind began racing. I had never really seriously considered this profession. Indeed, I had little brushes with the student media which was active at my undergrad university. I even published a rather well-received Opinion piece last year. I too am a daily consumer, reader of news, and related media. I have such an appreciation for reading and hearing the stories surrounding us. The role of a journalist is such an important one and how their voices shape national and local conversations. But I never thought about being apart of that conversation.
In my mind, I quickly began pondering the benefits of the profession. Of what qualities are necessary. Of what life might look like for someone pursuing this career. The constant engagement with curiosity and truth-seeking. The ability to tell important and relevant stories. The engagement in creativity to communicate information. The flexibility and potential to travel. The necessity to listen and practice empathy. There is this strange excitement I feel in my body. Though this might fade, and I might soon find an alternative purpose to pursue. Perhaps. But I haven’t experienced this sense of clarity maybe since I decided where I would attend college.
Dreaming about the possibility of this profession brings me to so many unknown places. An exciting unknown. It brings a dream of the different people that will be collaborated with, the relationships developed. The words that I know are within me, yet to be unearthed. This feels like the beginning of a journey, a dynamic, evolving adventure. Now I doubt Mike, my Irish friend I made in a park on a brisk sunny day in May has any idea what wheel began turning in my head after he left the little hill I was sitting on. It again reminds me of the immense and mysterious influence we have on the people we come into contact with. It illustrates how a simple phrase or word can mean so much more.
You are an amazing writer! I see it!!