So I wrote an essay. I don’t like it, and I want to know how I can improve it. Please, if anyone ever reads this, please tell me what to do better on it!!!! I’m supposed to write about my goals and how I plan to achieve them. Fun.
Is it possible for an editor to change the world? Looking at the question superficially, the answer appears to be obviously “no.” Editors aren’t particularly famous, influential, or even visible to the general public — all things that are usually required to affect the world as a whole. Nevertheless, my goal is to become a world-changing editor.
Of course, a good education is necessary for editorial work. Therefore, my first step in achieving my goal is to attend Taylor University. I expect to be challenged academically at Taylor, perfecting my understanding of the English language so that I can be a more effective editor. However, I’ll be able to not only hone my editorial skills but also receive training in how to live different — living for Christ and His Kingdom rather than for this world and all its hypocrisy. To me this is the most important part of college. College isn’t just about academics and getting knowledge and all that kind of thing, although that is of course essential to one’s college experience. It’s also “boot camp,” so to speak, for the outside world. I believe that Taylor University not only has the academic excellence necessary for me to succeed as an editor, but also the lifestyle training necessary for me to become a person who can change the world.
However, I don’t believe that education is the only necessary experience for changing the world — or to be a good editor, for that matter. I therefore plan to spend a year in Romania after graduating from Taylor. This year in Romania will not only be enjoyable for me but will also be a way to serve others by stretching myself. I’m not entirely positive what kind of work I will be doing, but I know that it will take discipline and a complete servant attitude, which together will develop into an excellent work ethic. Just as Taylor will provide the education and the lifestyle, Romania will supply the real-world training, as I interact with people and enter situations that are completely outside my comfort zone – things I will indubitably experience as an editor. I expect to learn things in Romania that will help me in the rest of my life.
Finally, after attending Taylor University and serving in Romania, I will enter the editorial field. I plan to work for Zondervan, a Christian publisher, although I may yet decide to work at a major company such as Penguin & Putnam or HarperTrophy. By exhibiting excellence in both knowledge – the actual editing of books – and diligence – applying myself to whatever is put before me with all my heart, soul, mind and strength – I will be an example to not only my fellow editors but also my employers, my clients, and whoever else I happen to meet.
And changing the world? Not every world-changing person has been famous. In fact, some of the most influential people throughout history would have been considered nobodies in their own time. For me, changing the world means changing people, one at a time. Education, service, and editorial work are merely the steps by which I will meet my goal. As Paul says in his Epistle to the Philippians, “I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
"The time has come," the walrus said, "to talk of many things..." 