There are many roads that take Montpelier grads “far from home.” For 2006 MHS graduate Sarah Binning, who had the desire to be a famous writer, the road to her future began with a trip to the movie theater.
“Around the time I started applying to colleges, I watched the movie ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’,” said Sarah. “Kate Hudson’s character, Andie Anderson, works at a magazine, and I began to think about how fun her job seemed. Andie was paid to meet new people and just talk to them, ask them questions and tell their stories. Could there be a better job? Every day was different and I liked the freedom and creativity that seemed to surround Andie’s job.”
So how does one turn a job seen in a movie into a real life experience?
“As I began visiting prospective colleges, I asked more questions about journalism programs. I can still remember the first time I toured Ohio University’s campus. The campus was so vivacious. The beauty of the rolling hills, lush open green areas, brick buildings and roads made me feel so safe and at home. My heart was immediately set on attending Ohio University’s Scripps School of Journalism. But I knew that they only accept about 200 journalism students a year. So I told myself I’d apply and if I got it, then it was a sign that I was supposed to become a journalist. If not, then I’d major in English.”
By the summer of 2009, Sarah took the advice of her sister-in-law and applied for an internship an opportunity that would take her to Boston. She landed at Teen Voices.
“Teen Voices is a nonprofit that teaches teen girls from the greater Boston area journalism and leadership skills. We pair the girls with college-aged mentors who help guide them through the editorial process. They produce articles for our internationally distributed print and online magazine.”
While Sarah loved the internship, Teen Voices was not able to offer her a paid position upon graduation. However, like those many roads that take you “far from home,” there are many roads to getting the job you want.
Sarah learned it would be possible to return to Teen Voices through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. “VISTA is a one-year commitment to service. We are accepted to work with a nonprofit organization that fights poverty and promotes literacy and education. We’re paid stipends that are slightly above the poverty level. The idea is that this will create understating and empathy for the populations we serve.”
The road didn’t stop there. “After my year of service, I was offered a staff position! I now work as the Marketing and Editorial Coordinator. I continue doing the same marketing work I did as a VISTA but I also get to put my journalism degree to more use. I edit and fact-check articles and I am responsible for posting all our online content (teenvoices.com).”
Of course, moving from rural Montpelier to metropolitan Boston has been quite an experience. “Moving to Boston was definitely something of a culture shock, but I love and celebrate the diversity of the city. I’ve had the opportunity to learn about so many different cultures and people. People often stereotype New Englanders as ‘cold hearted,’ but during my time here, I've met some of the warmest, kind hearted, open and accepting individuals.”
Sarah also feels like her Williams County background has helped her as she works with the young women in Boston.
“Montpelier and Williams County truly has a special place in my heart. I found so many positive role models and mentors during my years there. Mrs. Dee Balser (former MHS music teacher) and Ms. Kimberly Shaffer (the director of Bryan Community School of Dance) played such an important role in my life. But there are so many other people too: my former teachers Mrs. Lisa Tippin, Mr. Mike Cleland, and Mrs. Jan Morr; Rick Nelson and Nicki Deetz from my years working as a lifeguard at the public pool; Rachel Gendron my cheerleading coach. These are the individuals who recognized potential in me, and helped me grow into my gangly awkward body. They taught me to embrace myself and be my own person.”
“And of course, I wouldn’t be who I am today without the love and support of my mom. I would never have had the courage to embark on this journey without her encouragement.”
Like the character from the movie, Sarah loves her job as a magazine editor in a big city. But she hasn’t given up on that dream to become a famous writer, so another road waits.
“As much as I love editing, I do miss writing. I’m actually in the process of applying for graduate school. I hope to receive a master of fine arts degree in creative writing. I’d really like to make my dream of becoming a published author a reality.”
