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Grub Street: “where boston gets writing”
Emerson has long been a school which prides itself on encouraging its students to gain as much hands-on, real-life experience as possible. Whether through internships, volunteer work, or one of the plethora of on-campus organizations, a little (okay, preferably a lot) of time spent working in your chosen field pays off well after graduation–you might not have to join that Facebook group about picking a major you like and someday living in a box. Emerson tries to keep students aware of the various opportunities available by hosting preparatory meetings and internship fairs, but most of the work lies within the student’s motivation. To get an internship or accumulate volunteer hours takes effort–find the organization, contact the right person, get hired, haul yourself across town by foot or by T and finally, maybe, you’ll get some credentials for that ever-intimidating resume. Little do many know, however, that a bright-and-shiny chance lies just down the block, provided you can navigate getting buzzed in, braving a creaking, ancient (and strangely spaghetti-scented) elevator, and making it up to the fourth floor of 160 Boylston.
Meet Grub Street Writers. Some of you (most likely the other WLP students like myself) recieved the e-mail about their Recruitment Meeting. Like many, I would have disregarded the email because it doesn’t give a lot of information about Grub Street. However, I recently visited with the coordinator after a rather serendipitous encounter last week (involving a 1940’s graduate of Emerson discussing World War II Hollywood and then directing myself and two friends up to Grub Street offices–”Now tell them Pat sent you dears!”).
A non-profit, literary arts organization, Grub Street is dedicated to nurturing and connecting writers at any stage of their career. Complete with working offices, minature library, classrooms, and publications, Grub Street hosts everything from workshops to community events to seminars hosted by established writers. It’s a haven for the young and aspiring looking to get experienced and established in the Boston area. The best part about Grub Street though, is that the staff is eager and willing to work with you. Yes, you and all that hard-working goodness inside you. They’re always looking for volunteers and some internships are available, but right now they’re looking for new people to get involved and get working. Volunteer hours vary but internships require a little more dedication, 10-15 hours per week. No matter your availability, it’s something every young writer, publisher, or coordinator-extraordinaire can find worth checking out. Bring a resume and your all-enthusiastic little Emerson self–the Recruitment Meeting is happening at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 5th, at 160 Boylston, 4th floor. (You’ll need to ring the buzzer to get in). With headquarters just down the street, this is one opportunity that’s almost as convienient as living in the LB–with much better rewards.
Get more with info@grubstreet.org, grubstreet.org, or call Whitney, Sonya, or Chris at 617.695.0075.
P.S. And kids, if you get the chance, check out the little antique shop on the first floor. It’s owned by the woman I spoke to who attended Emerson in the 40’s. She’s fascinating to talk to (Back Bay circa 1948 anyone?) and she’ll let you do lay-away even if all you can start with is a dollar–plus I hear there’s some killer vintage clothes hiding in the back. More on this to come…