Generalist. I feel like this term now more than ever resonates with who I am. My portfolio primarily showcases journalism and news writing but also an array of related areas I have dabbled in. More clearly, I have become aware that I am passionate about executing larger projects often involving humanitarian work. Someday I would like to specialize and get insanely good at doing just one thing, however, that is not where I am at right now. My curiosity and observation of the world around compels me to go off track and explore new territories.
Website development was one of them. Although, building a website was a necessary step for my Careers in Writing course, soon I realized, producing and building things from the ground up is where my meticulous nature thrives. It is strange to think a year ago, plugins, drop down menu’s, custom html links, thumbnails, and favicon used to be foreign concepts. Now, they paint a picture of the marketable skills I have to offer when working on sizable projects involving planning and executing digital content for online consumption.
“It is strange to think a year ago, plugins, drop down menu’s, custom html links, thumbnails, and favicon used to be foreign concepts.”
Sam Guerrero
Time and time again the phrase ‘I am teachable’ becomes reaffirmed whenever I challenge myself and do something my younger self would see as impossible. Jesus, younger Sam had a knack of belittling and undervaluing her potential, which sometimes still drizzles its way into my present work. The difference now is I am more receptive, experienced, and familiar with the power of the byline. It is a real thing I promise. A published writer knows of that inexplicable, empowering feeling of seeing one’s name next to a written story that has been deemed appropriate for publication. I once had that feeling in high school and recently felt it again when the editor for the Cobb County Courier, Larry Johnson, gave my feature story a place to exist.
“A published writer knows of that inexplicable, empowering feeling of seeing one’s name next to a written story that has been deemed appropriate for publication.”
Sam Guerrero
My accomplishments have not been without struggle and hard work. Oftentimes, my journey as a writer has made me jump through several hoops, making me feel like a caged animal performing at a circus every night for displeasing audiences. Other days, the work is fulfilling and I am reminded of the reason why I chose a career in writing. To grow not only as a writer but a student (not necessarily tied to conventional schooling) I will continue to expand my horizons and advocate for myself, all while making Guerrero Veliz a visual representation of such metamorphosis.
