While creating this multi-installment feature series I have simultaneously been applying to grad-schools and job opportunities (among other academic, professional, personal, and extracurricular duties). This is to say, in short, that this quarter has been one of the most stressful experiences of my life. To my shame, as I write this, I am neglecting my duties as a grad-school applicant. The question posed for my essay is, “who is your journalism hero, why, and how does this tie into your academic and career aspirations?” Over the last nine weeks, Monday through Thursday, I’ve been struck by every writer’s favorite sensation: writers block. I don’t entirely understand how I can be expected to synthesize why Anthony Bourdain is the conglomeration of everything cool and important about journalism into 12-point font comprehensible thought. I do know that he is largely responsible for inspiring my ambitions in creating Fridays Around Town and he makes me believe I can make a positive difference in the world by sharing stories. Frankly, if I could just turn this project in and skip the essay that would be a tremendous help.
I am particularly proud of the content these last nine weeks of effort turned out. Most weeks gathering stories was a relief to all of the work behind my computer, but some weeks were certainly harder than others. This is not merely attributed to having a chaotic schedule or having to chase someone down the street and rely on their reception to being put under my microscope, but also because some of these stories tore my heart out and took a bite. Some of these figures left me wondering if I’m just some nosey asshole who will forever live on the periphery of life voyeuristically looking in. I write, photograph, take video, record audio, and sometimes it feels like I am so lucky in all the wrong ways. Despite my own struggle, it sometimes feels like I’m living in a silly, small world. This feels especially true when exposed to people who have faced loss, hardship, or live in fear. I feel like a clown.
Today I returned to Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. It made me recall what so many of the interview subjects said to me. They said that my job was awesome. They said it made them feel important. Maybe I am just some clown, but perhaps that isn’t the worst thing to be.
I’ve decided to include a list of five songs that most remind me of Bourdain, his life of exploration and curiosity, and his message that everyone is important. These songs have kept me motivated and inspired.