My name is Emily Forster, and in just 20 days I will be graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity; I have also been the copy editor for the Talon for the past two years. Now you might be wondering, how in the world did a computer science major end up in the newsroom editing articles for the school paper? Why was the copy editor not selected from the communications or English department? The answer: I just happened to be a jack of all trades.
When I was in elementary school, my favorite time of the week was always the weekend because that was when my mom took me and my younger sister to get new books at the library. I lived and breathed books. My punishment when I misbehaved was not sitting in timeout or losing desert privileges, it was my mom hiding my Nancy Drew (or whatever else interested me at the time) until I said I was sorry. My love for literature has been with me my whole life thanks to the library; every week I could explore a new world and daydream about endless stories. At one point I even wanted to be a librarian but that fire was quickly extinguished when I learned how little they made, which meant I would not be able to start my own extensive book collection. I ended up pursuing a degree in computer science because I knew it would help me one day fund my own personal library, a collection that has been growing ever since I received my first allowance.
Even though I chose to major in computer science, my love for literature was ever present throughout my college career. I took English composition with Dr. Shank, and through that class I eventually learned there were tutoring positions open in the writing center. My application consisted of showing him my senior thesis about the Russian novel Crime and Punishment. Throughout my work in the writing center, I tried my best to instill a love for writing in gloomy freshmen who kept telling me that they hated essays and everything to do with literature. From there, Dr. Shank recommended me for the copy editor position at the Talon. The only communications class I took at Oklahoma Christian University was oral communications, so I did not believe I was qualified. I quickly discovered that I was. My whole job as copy editor has been paying attention to details, which is something that I do very well in every aspect of my life. I ensure that the articles we post are error free and polished. Before becoming copy editor, I will be honest, I did not know the Talon existed. But after two years of reading every single article that we produced, I am so glad I had this opportunity. I have learned so much about the incredible students and faculty on campus through editing our newsmaker stories, about the students winning amazing scholarships and competitive debate conferences, and even our very own computer science professor, Dr. Fang Li, who is revolutionizing the pixel.
One thing that I really want to drive home with everyone that reads this farewell article: never say no to an opportunity that will help you grow. If you are a nursing major and you get the chance to work in the Bible department, why not? If you are a computer science major and you also have a not so secret love for literature, try writing for the Soundings journal. You do not need to be an English major to write poetry that pours out your soul. The point is, try anything and everything. In addition to being the copy editor for the Talon, I have also been a tutor in both the writing center and the computer science department, a president for the computer science club, even tried starting my own club, and now I am the co-president of a nonprofit organization for women in STEM. I would not trade any of these experiences, nor do I regret any of them. I have found a way to balance passion with my career, and I hope that each of you can do the same. Say yes to every opportunity even if you have to give it up later. You never know what you could end up learning, or what experiences or people could end up changing your life.
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