Recently I discovered the value of an e-mail. In some ways this must already be clear as day to everyone else but it has always been difficult for me to take the first step in contacting a stranger for assistance, advice, or help. Taking that first step is extremely important for both your career and your education. In school we often read books written by people we’ll never meet and they might even include interviews with other lifelong strangers. The danger is not actually knowing someone who is actually doing what you are trying to learn in school. Whether it is a CEO, a physicist, an astronaut or a video game developer you should consider getting in contact with the people who are doing what you hope to do.
Earlier this week I contacted a playwright. Since the vast majority of playwrights aren’t celebrities (there are lots of great writers out there) it’s unlikely you know who he is. In fact, I didn’t even know until I read an interview with him during my daily dissertation research. I contacted him and asked if I could obtain a copy of some of his unpublished (but in production) works to read. I wasn’t sure whether he would respond or not. I was worried that if he did respond he’d think I was wasting his time if I wasn’t wanting to produce one of the plays. This fear is largely irrational (what’s the worst that could happen: he impolitely declines?) and it often prevents us from sticking our necks out enough to actually start moving forward. I heard back the next day.
He was curious about who I was and why I wanted to read the scripts but ultimately sent me a copy of two of his plays to read. Our conversation was brief but the doorway is open for a conversation over a drink if I’m ever in his neck of the woods. This is a great thing. I’m really looking forward to it and very excited to be reading some new and original theatre works currently in production. So take out a notebook and review your goals. What do you want to be doing once you graduate? What jobs or fields do you want to enter into? Now write down the name of someone who is in your field and inspires you to get through school. Now do some research and find some people in your area who might not be famous but also do that job. Write some e-mails, schedule some appointments, and make some phone calls. You’re about to learn from the people who are doing it. Good luck!