Some Things I Really Need to Know I Learned in Grad School

I'm back from 18 days out of the studio, which included 11 days at school, four beaches, three states, two bed and breakfasts, two hotels, and one graduation. I've been taking my time wading back into daily life. I hope I'll have more words in the days and weeks to come, but for now here's a list of some of the things I learned over the last two years.

1. True friends will miss lunch to help you practice your role in the school play, which, in this case, is known as your graduating lecture and public reading.
2. It's okay to cry in front of your teachers. The good ones will understand.
3. The experience is more important than the credentials. (But the credentials are nice, too.)
4. There is no "there" there. Just be on this journey for all you're worth.
5. Adults still need to hear the words "I'm proud of you" from the people they love and respect.
6. Ice-cold, lime-flavored slushy drinks are the perfect way to celebrate on a hot day. (If that ice-cold, lime-flavored slush also contains tequila, so much the better!)
7. If you dance like no one is watching, so will other people. And everyone will have fun.
8. The world needs more sing-alongs.
9. Other people see your beauty and brilliance so much more clearly than you do.
10. It's good to honor and celebrate your hard work and successes, even if you're already looking ahead to the next thing.
11. Living the writing life is not for the faint of heart.
12. The best teachers will ask questions more often than they'll give you answers.
13. Structure is not always the enemy of creativity.
14. Nobody cares if you keep making your art, except for those few people who do -- which should include yourself. And that's just fine. Pay attention to those who care (even if it's just you).
15. Hitting an artistic plateau is an opportunity. Use it to rest, to push yourself in new ways, or to practice the art of commitment.
16. Persistence is the writer's best friend.
17. Wally Lamb seems like a nice man. He has confirmed that "there is life after graduate school," which is reassuring, but also a bit ridiculous given his life after grad school. (Something to aspire to, I suppose.)
18. A good balance of community and solitude helps to keep away the crazy.
19. The concept of genre is useful in theory (and book sales) and almost nothing else related to writing.
20. Treat your Muse with deep respect. She holds a lot of power.

Comments

[abby]

There is a lot of wisdom here. Congrats to you and accomplishing a goal. I'm excited to see what the future has in store for you.

[Steph]

I like this list. Thank you Jenna. : )

[jamye]

I especially like #7 and #18.
Congratulations on graduating! It's been fun watching from afar as you've gone on this journey. Looking forward to see what comes next for you.

[Sion Dayson]

Great list. It made me tear up! It's been a pleasure being on part of the MFA journey with you. I look forward to continuing the writing journey in new ways with you now.