Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 5/6/05 Section: Culture

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I am 19 years old. I have not had the chance to complete some milestone moments in my life. I am not married, nor have I given birth. I haven't bought my own house, graduated from college, taken a road trip or lost a parent, yet I haven't been dead these last 19 years. I have held as many as four jobs at one time, gone skydiving, visited a foreign country, gotten a tattoo, volunteered at numerous organizations around the area and started a scholarship that runs to this day at my former high school. I may not have had the years necessary to accomplish some vital tasks, but I haven't been sitting on my ass.

A person's lack of experience in so-called milestone points that occur in a lifetime does not make their opinion any less valid than anyone else's, provided that it is well-supported and well-believed in. Each individual's unique set of memories, beliefs and experiences creates their opinions, and thus although not equal in status or age, each individual's opinion is worth consideration, if only to see how their unique experiences manifest themselves.

Writing a column obviously puts my opinion out in print for public scrutiny. It is so easy to misconstrue criticism and make it more than it is, but a critic is simply voicing their opinion. Critics (because we are all critical), if you feel I am not worth your time, it is very easy for you to not read my column. Simply flip the page and read a sports brief or a news report. But if you do not turn the page, you are accepting that my opinion is at least worth enough of your time and energy to read. That in and of itself is my triumph.

If you think my opinion is stupid, at least you took the time to read my piece, which is what a writer hopes for. We know we can't please everyone, but to interest you is our only target. By taking the time to form an opinion on my column, it is obvious that you took the time to read it, and while you may not have enjoyed it (as at least this writer hopes you will) the fact that it spurned any kind of reaction is enough satisfaction for me. The worst thing for a writer is to be ignored.

Now I have let my dirty secret slip--no recognition is worse than the very worst review. If no one calls angry, if no letters come in to the editor, if no feedback is posted on our website, it is because no one cares. But we hope to make you care. If you think it sucks, help make it better! Because this paper is not only created by students, but more importantly for students, we need as much feedback as possible. Perhaps you'd like to write a guest column, take photos or write articles, or even simply propose a suggestion for a story idea.

It is now simple to log on to the Journal's website, www.WesternOregonJournal.com, and post your opinion. Help make the Journal a publication the entire campus can enjoy.

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