The best of the best

Angela Guiao
MSMU Class of 2021

(2/2021) During my second year at the Mount, I almost gave up writing. I had just switched majors, and I was overwhelmed with keeping up with assignments and adjusting to the new subjects that an accounting degree entailed. I didn’t think I had the time or the energy, and I was still confused as to what I wanted for myself in the future. I think I had reached the point where I felt like writing was no longer a part of my future. I started to treat writing as merely a hobby; a habit even. And writing for the News-Journal became less of a priority.

Some would say it was mere luck that the managing editor that year was Shea Rowell. But I know in my heart, that it was God who put her there. I always believed that the most unexpected people can make the largest impact on your life, but I hadn’t yet experienced it. Until I met her.

Shea is probably the most understanding person I have ever met. She has the sweetest disposition, and the brightest most welcoming energy about her. She is soft-spoken, and really listens and empathizes with the things you say. She was always patient when I needed more time, and she always managed to make things work. She showed me understanding during a time when so much was expected of me. She was the only constant in my life then, though she probably didn’t know it. She would meet with me at the café before my 8am class, just so she can hand me my pay and check-in with my progress personally. It’s weird, but I fell back in love with writing when I saw just how much passion she had for it.

I always knew she was very busy. She graduated from the Mount in 2019 with a double major in English and Music for playing the trumpet. She often participated in musical performances, both formally and for fun. And along with juggling the responsibilities as the managing editor here at the News-Journal, she also completed her work-study at the career center. Shea is very in touch with her faith, having been very active in campus ministry, even becoming a liturgical minister.

Nowadays, she is working on her master’s in English from Villanova and is residing in Pennsylvania. She credits the News-Journal for teaching her what good writing look like, and for honing her editing skills. Shea also teaches a writing workshop at a local prison, where her skills allow her to specify areas of improvement and help students progress and develop their writing abilities. She really enjoys being able to spread her knowledge about writing and is happy that she is able to provide opportunities for those who may not have them otherwise.

When I asked Shea what her advice would be for current writers, she stated, "write boldly and keep writing all the time". She advises that the current writers think outside of the box and embrace the unique opportunity we have writing for the News-Journal. She says, it is rare for writers to be able to write freely, without limits, about anything they desire. And that now, we should seize the moment, and write about things that mean something to us.

When I asked what she missed most about the News-Journal, she lit up. She said she misses the constant communication, and the rich, community of writers here at the Mount. She also misses "creating something that is worthy of being read", emphasizing the freedom to write about things that have value. It is clear from our talk that Shea’s passion runs deep. Not only for the writing expertise, but for the power writing has itself. Most of all, she misses the sense of inclusion, the gathering of likeminded individuals who share the same passion for writing. This is an experience that has been stolen away from her during this unique time amidst a pandemic.

Shea has continued on past her time here at the Mount and has dedicated time and energy into spreading her love for writing. She continues to motivate and empower people just like me every single day.

Talking to Shea, I don’t think she realizes how significantly she influences and inspires others. As managing editor this year, being in the same spot that Shea was in all those years ago, I can only hope that I have even half the impact on those after me as she did for me. She was truly my inspiration, and my motivation to continue writing. And for her, I am eternally grateful.

To Shea, I’d like to say thank you. I hope you continue to be the bright, shining star for others who may be having trouble finding their way. I know you had no idea what struggles I was going through when you were here, so I am so glad that you are just so effortlessly kind and understanding. You have such a big impact on others, and I don’t think you realize to just what extent yet. Please continue to spread your kindness and follow your passions, because I know God gave you the ability to ignite a sense of meaning in others. You did it for me. Without you, I would have stopped writing. And the fact that you unknowingly affected my life in a way that has led me to be where I am now, only proves that you were called by God. Thank you for the greatest gift.

And for all of you who have the opportunity to spread kindness and influence others, please do so. Shea taught me not only how to be a better writer, but also how to be a better person. We may have only interacted a handful of times, but a few words of encouragement have a big impact on people who need to hear it. And I can only wish to inspire others as much as she has inspired me. The world needs more people who are so selfless in their kindness and passionate about helping others. The world needs more people like Shea.

Read other articles by Angela Tongohan