Blogger

I submitted my application a month or so ago, just for the fun of it. I already blog, and now it appears more than ever before, so why not get recognition for it? So when my university was soliciting students to blog about their life, studies and thoughts, I reached for the opportunity. And got it.

Without wanting to sound smug or self-absorbed, I sort of knew I would get the position... I know I can write, and when answering my applications I didn't just fill in answers in the blank spaces. I replied in a way that showed my character and ability to write.

Today was the first meeting, where details of what's expected from us were laid out. Most importantly, there will be no censorship or editing. We can write about what we want, how we want, and post whatever pictures we like.... as long as there's no hate speech or foul language ("strong" language is ok). There are in total 15 fellow bloggers involved in this brand new project, aimed to attract potential students to Mcgill, and also to allow current students to feel a sense of belonging when they read about someone else's life (may that be successes or problems). Out of 4 people I met today, I was the only guy.

The coordinator of the blog was a really friendly graduate, who herself is into blogging and photography. And just before we left, she said she wanted to take pictures of the bloggers-to-be. I actually hesitated at first, knowing how I dislike having my picture taken, and initially said that I'd post a picture of something instead of my headshot. But I changed my mind when the girl took out her fancy professional camera. Maybe she could get a nice side of me, I thought.

I was selected to go first, so I stood and smiled. But I always become very self-conscious when I just stand and smile... I feel it's so fake, and I never know where to put my hands or how to 'pose' the muscles on my face. I always feel uncomfortable looking at the lense, and she had a very big, long one. There must have been at least twenty pictures of me taken... in different locations, with different poses. I thought she just was looking for a 'perfect' shot, perfect in terms of the lighting and pose and composition. But with almost all of them she said I was a natural, and that I looked good. The other girls who were there agreed. And I felt really embarassed, and admitted that I was actually nervous deep down.

The new blog goes live in around two weeks.