Every so often, our readers send us pictures of their small but discerning offspring chewing their way through the latest issue of First Things. We proudly display these pictures on a bulletin board dedicated to celebrating the most junior members of the First Things family.
I envy these innocents who, even before they can read, have digested the pages of First Things. If you are a recent college grad and a First Things fan (even if you were not so fortunate as to have America’s most influential journal of religion and public life lying around the house when you were small, and must instead consume it by the more laborious and less immediate process of reading), a wonderful opportunity awaits you: the First Things junior fellowship program.
Graduating college seniors and recent graduates are invited to apply for the First Things junior fellows program. The junior fellows work closely with the editors to produce the magazine and its website. The one-year, full-time fellowship (which is normally extended to a second year) includes housing and a modest stipend.
I’ve been a fellow since August, and it has indeed been an enriching experience. I have been involved in the process of producing a magazine—discussing submissions, editing, proofreading, and fact-checking, as well as helping to maintain the First Things website and social media. Beyond that, junior fellows are part of a religious community, where they share in evening prayers and Saturday dinners. Not to mention being in the middle of New York City! As a previous junior fellow wrote: “That means you can hone your dinner-cooking, museum-visiting, restaurant-finding, liturgy-attending, and theology-debating skills along with your writing, editing, and proofreading ones.”
If that sounds like a dream come true, then get to work on your application:
Your resume, a 250-word description of what you want to learn from the fellowship, a writing sample of no more than 2,000 words, and contact information for three references (one should know your writing or editorial experience).
Send your application to geist@firstthings.com, by Friday, March 17, 2017.
Good luck!
Veery Huleatt is a junior fellow at First Things.
