This is a summer of firsts.
I’ve never lived in Florida, had an AIM account, or heard of the Pixies, but thanks to Relevant Magazine and the wonderful staff, I can now say I have done all of these. And, welcome, readers, to another first for me.
My very first blog. Aw.
So, to get things started on this whole blogging thing, I should probably introduce myself. My name is JoLeah Stiles, and I hail from the great state of Texas. I go to Texas A&M University in College Station and am really amused at how weird the traditions that we do there seem to people over here. I’m a communication major and journalism minor, and I’ll graduate in December.
I work in the editorial office over here on Alden Road. But, like my friend Chad said before me, I’d love to just be a part of the intern posse. There are some really talented people here, so get excited for the upcoming issues.
Now that all that superficial intro business is done, let’s get down to the heart of things. And that is, “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends†is my absolute favorite cartoon.
I’m kidding (not about “Foster’s,†it’s wonderful, but about the whole that’s the serious part of my blog). The real heart of things is that I’m excited.
I’m terribly excited to be here and to be able to share all of the happenings that go on behind the scenes at the greatest magazine in the country. I love to write, always have, but all of the other things that go on to make a magazine are as foreign to me as Russian pop stars (if there are any).Â
I’m excited to learn how to write so that I can inspire you readers to grow closer to Christ without sounding like a sermon. I’m excited to figure out how to do these foreign things like blogging and uploading Web articles, even though I’ll probably make a fool of myself the first few times and have to ask a thousand questions.
But, that’s the really exciting part – the prospect of change. This is different for me. There’s a whole new group of people to get to know, but we have a new dynamic of interaction that I’ve never been a part of – the office. It’s interesting to figure out how to glorify God by typing on my laptop, spilling my thoughts to strangers and new friends. I like pretending that I’m an adult, coming to work and then exploring the city without the knowledge of tests or homework hanging over me. Â
I know that I’m going to look back on this summer and be able to point out things that changed me for life, hopefully for the better. And, considering that I am the type of person that would spill my life story to a stranger on the bus if they asked me to, get ready for the real story of life with Relevant. Hope you enjoy.
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