The Day I scored a 1 :-))

I scored 1/10 in one of my first assignments at IIJNM :-))

Hmmmmm......

So the title of this post would have probably made you wonder "Why that smiley face for a mere 1?" (if at all you read my blog that carefully. I forgive you if you don't!)
So, let me begin by explaining the context first. How it all began....

We were asked to submit story ideas to the IIJNM faculty. I remember having updated my blog with the first official 'news' report I wrote. After approximately 4 Weeks at IIJNM, I realize how flawed that report was! Not a great lead, problem with quotes, break of paragraphs incorrect and, more importantly, it wasn't 'new' enough. There's so much to learn, as I keep saying. And as and when I come to know of something that always existed and I never bothered to give it a second thought, I feel like an idiotic maniac ranting about almost every other thing under the sun when the point of focus should have been THE SUN.

Anyways, *digression not good*
Coming back to the 3 story ideas, before sending them in, I knew they are going to be questioned because of the very same reasons that my faculty has patiently pointed out. Despite that, I sent it because of strict adherence to the dreaded devil called DEADLINE. Well, it's not an excuse but a an attempt to understand why I sent such dumb ideas.
Well, to be very frank, they were not really dumb. Or so to speak.
One of them was more of a feature story idea than a hard core news story. I knew that and I thought I could work on feature stories too. However, as KK cleverly mentioned, we need to learn how to walk first before learning the art of running.
The problem with the second was that it wasn't 'new'. Now, though what has been pointed out is true, this statement angers me most. Not because its an untrue statement but because it forces me to think how and why did someone came to know about this before I did? Why was it reported before? How could I be so close yet so far? Why can't I think of a new angle in the same old (already reported) story? Is it even possible? Why can't I think beyond the obvious?
But, I guess, it's good I am thinking. And, thinking hard enough. That is one of the first requirements of being a (good) reporter.
Also, I need to put my love for feature stories at the backseat for a while now. Need to learn how to walk first. Or I won't be able to run in the future.

Now, let's revert back to the reason for that smiley face....
To begin with, I loved the way the faculty has taken pains to patiently explain every single student's flaws. To some it may seem mean, probably being a bit too pushy, rude or even downright sadist!
But, isn't it true that we give that extra push only to those whom we think are capable of surviving it? This means that the question is not about the individual talent but the lack of proper utilization of the same. Sometimes that extra push goes a long way to work wonders.
As far as my story ideas were concerned, I probably expected comments on those very lines, which is why, my score didn't surprise me. What surprised me instead was that I actually scored. I thought I'll be disqualified or something!
But that tiny little '1' has given me hopes. Strange coz 1 isn't that great a number, on a scale of 10. But, that 1 has given me the hope to perform. To work hard so that i can bring that 1 into a 2, a 4 or a 6 (maybe...who knows?).
My score has told me that I don't suck; my story ideas do. The problem isn't me but the way I am thinking. Maybe I am not thinking hard enough. Or maybe am just thinking too hard, forgetting to give other crucial things a thought. Whatever it is, I am surprised at myself for not feeling disappointed about my score. More so, coz I feel kind of rejuvenated after it. Feels like I have suddenly been asked to do something I always did-THINK. Just think hard enough. Think beyond the obvious. *rolls eyes*
And,
I think.....*pause
I can do that ;))