Column: Take big bites

I am inspired by only a few well-known figures, but you would be wrong in assuming that I am most inspired by Giada De Laurentiis or Julia Child.

My best and greatest inspiration is Linda Ellerbee.

When I was young, my mom introduced me to “Girl Reporter,” a children’s book series based on the childhood journalism career of a fifth grader named Casey. I read all eight books over and over again, and those books were the driving force that made me pursue the newspaper in fifth grade, as well as start a paper in middle school.

Obviously, I outgrew the book series, as they were only meant for children in elementary school. But soon afterward, I purchased Ellerbee’s memoirs of working in the world of news. I kept pushing myself forward in this field through high school.

I got jaded by journalism by the end of my freshman year and pursued other extra-curricular activities that, looking back, I greatly regret.

I keep kicking myself for not sticking with the newspaper. But it didn’t stop my love or appreciation for the world of journalism, as I would still read Ellerbee’s memoirs.

When I finally came to IU, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. All I knew was that I was a decent writer. I started at the Indiana Daily Student and registered for a few journalism courses, and then I learned about the Individualized Major Program, which is what allows me to design my major in food journalism.  

I’m not technically a journalism major, but I get to take a bunch of classes in food. It sounds like a fun degree, as well as a fun career choice.

“So, Lily, are you going to be a restaurant critic?”

Well, not necessarily. People always assume that about my degree, and I even thought the same until I received a book as a gift from a family member.

“Take Big Bites” by Linda Ellerbee. Adventures around the world and across the table.

This book was the sign I needed to reaffirm my self-confidence in my degree and my passions.

I always loved food, as well as writing. This book is everything that I want my future to be.

Ellerbee’s writing is flawless, discussing her food experiences as well as advice for being in the real world. Of all the books I own, this is the one I recommend to everyone. Just read this excerpt, which summarizes everything I feel about journalism and discovering parts of the world I haven’t
found yet:

“Of course like all good little girls, I was taught never to talk to strangers. I liked talking to strangers. They told stories I hadn’t already heard.”

I am moving to Orlando in two weeks to start an internship with Disney World, and I am scared beyond belief. I personally believe I’m terrible at meeting new people, and I have a great phobia of disappointing my bosses.  

But it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If I passed it up, I know I’d regret it later. Besides, Linda Ellerbee would want me to experience this now.

So my advice to our graduates, as well as all my readers, is to be fearless.

Go ahead.  

Take big bites.

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