In late January, as I am preparing to graduate, write my dissertation, finish research projects, and plan for my impending future, I decided to enter into a science writing contest.
I was never one for having my work be judged and ridiculed, as I am a person with the down fall of pride, and was afraid of having my self confidence stomped out. However, I thought it would be fun and a good gauge as to how well I was, or was not, qualified to be a professional writer.
I have been applying to jobs for my post-Ph.D. era to no avail and was growing disillusioned with my abilities or that of the "real" work force. I stumbled onto a post on LinkdIn (where I spent hours on daily), from The Scientist Magazine, having an open call for scientists to share an exciting science story written for modern journalism. I loved the prospect of the writers being scientists and I felt this was an arena I could make ground in.
Being at Cornell, I had the opportunity to hear about cool new science nearly everyday, and one story caught my eye. Recently, a giant bacterium was discovered that could be seen with the human naked eye, and finally, this bacterium's genome was sequenced. To have this quirky, oddball microbial science be shared with the reader's at The Scientist, felt like a calling, as I specifically studied bacterial metabolism throughout my Ph.D.
I reached out to the authors of the study, set up an interview, and drafted an article. Hitting "send" in my email to editors at The Scientist, I impatiently waited 3 months before hearing the good news...I was a finalist!
I then worked back and forth with the amazing editorial team to get my story publication ready. Then came the Reader's Choice Awards. I already was aware that the top story would be getting a cash prize, but I was unaware of the option to be awarded by popular vote.
I called upon my social media followers, friends, family, and coworkers. I took to all my platforms, encouraging people to read the stories of the 6 other finalists and myself and vote, vote, vote!
In the end, published on May 16th, I did not make the top story. However, I was awarded 3rd place in the Reader's Choice and had the honor of having my story published!
I am glad I put myself out there, to share what brings me happiness, and to encourage others to take a risk. I made connections, friends, and gained valuable editing experience through this contest, and am likely to enter more contests in the future.
To read my published story, please click this link.
Comments