By Kathleen Szot, account associate
I used to hate writing. (I know what you’re thinking: That’s a funny thing for someone in the communications profession to admit.)
If you’d give me an equation, I’d find the solution. Give me directions, and I could find the destination. But give me a blank piece of paper and pencil, and I’d get a knot in my stomach.
I felt similarly about running. Beginning in junior high, students were required to run a mile as part of an annual fitness test. Four laps around the track sounded torturous. I was sure I’d need to stop for a rest.
But here I am today, one half marathon and six 5Ks under my belt and two months into a great job with Borshoff, a distinguished communications agency. How did I get here? I credit my high school gym teacher who advised, “Can’t never did nothing.” Improper grammar aside, Coach Armontrout had a point. I’d been telling myself for so long that I couldn’t do it that I stopped trying.
Though it didn’t happen all at once, I eventually began to welcome the challenges of both writing and running – and my aversions waned. I joined my high school tennis team, which involved a great deal of running in pre-season conditioning. As an undergraduate at Notre Dame, my coursework prompted interesting writing assignments.
Plus, I started to realize that there is structure—an equation of sorts—to both activities. Writing involves a hook, thesis, supporting statements and a conclusion. With running, regulate your breathing and motion correctly, and you’ll increase endurance.
My professional experience has made me appreciate the strategy behind communications. I enjoy the challenge of motivating others with my words, whether it’s to understand the importance of a service, the benefits of a product or the complexities of a community issue. And I get excited when we effectively convey a message to a targeted audience.
Today, I’m continuing to learn alongside some of the best communicators in the region — a proud accomplishment for this former self-doubter.
Words to live by: “Can’t never did nothing anything.”
Happy trails!
Tags: borshoff, communications
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