When people think of “writers,” they tend to focus on bestselling authors, journalists, or academics. People who have done something extraordinary tend to stand out. It is an easy trap to fall into and leads to thinking your own life is not interesting enough, or that someone else has already said what you are thinking better than you ever could. As students, we constantly compare ourselves to everyone else. We convince ourselves our voices do not matter, but they do. Every single story matters. Some of us commute for hours on a cramped train; others drive in daily. Some are juggling full-time classes with jobs and families, while others are living away from home for the first time. You even have people returning to school after decades to completely switch careers. We are all trying to navigate university at different stages of life. No two experiences are identical; every single perspective has value.
Honestly, the stories that leave an impact and tug at the heartstrings are not the flashy ones. They are the ones that are raw and relatable. A personal piece on dealing with first-year anxiety, figuring out how to ask a professor for help, navigating campus clubs, or just surviving midterms can deeply resonate with someone struggling through the same problems. Writing builds bridges. A story that feels completely ordinary to you might be the exact lifeline another student needs to read today. It lets them know they are not alone and that others out there are dealing with similar issues. Sharing these invisible experiences through writing creates opportunities to support one another. It offers a little practical advice and reminds us all that university is a collective mess of uncertainty and growth.
The LA&PS Volunteer Blog is not just an article repository. It is a unique space for community. We want students from every program and background to bring their perspectives to the table. Whether you are passionate about mental health, networking, career hunting, making friends, or creative writing, your voice changes how someone else sees university life. Plus, it is great for you. You get to sharpen your writing skills outside of the classroom, build a portfolio of published work, and gain firsthand experience writing for a diverse audience. This is not another strict essay assignment; it is an opportunity to connect with people and leave an actual mark on your university.
One of the biggest lies we tell ourselves is that you have to be a "good writer" to have something worth saying. Newsflash: perfect writing does not exist; it is an ongoing process. Readers do not want perfection; they want honesty, creativity, and a bit of vulnerability. Sometimes, asking questions, sharing lessons you have learned, or reflecting on a personal setback is enough to make someone else feel seen and not alone. Whether your story is about building confidence, bouncing back from a failed exam, or just navigating everyday life, it adds a missing piece to our community puzzle. The LA&PS Volunteer Blog only works because our student body is diverse. Your voice belongs here. So, what story are you going to tell first?
By Chris Connell
Chris Connell is in his fourth year of English and Professional Writing at 91ɫ. He is an aspiring writer and certified yoga teacher. In the evening, he enjoys unwinding in a hot bath with Lush bath bombs, tea, and a good book, often followed by his guilty pleasure: reality TV. "