EricaWilter
New member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2026
- Messages
- 16
This is such a silly little story, but it made me smile and I thought it might make you all smile too. 
I'm a fourth-year social work major, and I've been living and breathing the APA writing style for years now. It's just second nature. I format references in my sleep. I correct people's commas for fun (sorry, friends!).
Anyway, last week, I was helping my best friend, who's an art major, write a cover letter for a summer internship at a gallery. She wrote this beautiful, creative letter full of personality. I read it over, and without even thinking, I said, "Hey, you should alphabetize your list of software skills. It looks more organized." She stared at me for a second and then burst out laughing. She goes, "Oh my god, you just applied the APA writing style to my cover letter!" And she was totally right! I had unconsciously tried to format her creative document like a reference list!
It was such a funny moment of self-awareness. This style has become so ingrained in who I am as a student that it's leaking into other parts of my life. And honestly? I'm kind of proud of it! It means I've really internalized the principles of clarity and organization. Alphabetizing that list did make it look better, by the way. She kept it.
Has anyone else had a moment where academic habits showed up in your real life? I'd love to hear your funny stories!
I'm a fourth-year social work major, and I've been living and breathing the APA writing style for years now. It's just second nature. I format references in my sleep. I correct people's commas for fun (sorry, friends!).
Anyway, last week, I was helping my best friend, who's an art major, write a cover letter for a summer internship at a gallery. She wrote this beautiful, creative letter full of personality. I read it over, and without even thinking, I said, "Hey, you should alphabetize your list of software skills. It looks more organized." She stared at me for a second and then burst out laughing. She goes, "Oh my god, you just applied the APA writing style to my cover letter!" And she was totally right! I had unconsciously tried to format her creative document like a reference list!
It was such a funny moment of self-awareness. This style has become so ingrained in who I am as a student that it's leaking into other parts of my life. And honestly? I'm kind of proud of it! It means I've really internalized the principles of clarity and organization. Alphabetizing that list did make it look better, by the way. She kept it.
Has anyone else had a moment where academic habits showed up in your real life? I'd love to hear your funny stories!
