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Nieman Foundation, April 12, 2019, Steve Almond - writing class. Lisa Abitbol

Fellowships

Mary Schmich, NF ’96

Columnist, Chicago Tribune

Mary Schmich

She asked what I wanted from my Nieman time, I heard myself say something I’d never articulated about the job: “Courage.” I meant the courage to express my opinions, and to refrain from an opinion when I didn’t have a clear one…Looking back, I think courage is too grand a word. What I meant were the less exalted attributes of confidence and stamina…When I went back to my job…I carried the word “courage” with me like a lucky charm, and to this day I’m fortified by the people who during my Nieman year helped me find it.”