I've been a longtime lurker of this sub and I think it's about time I finally contribute. I am a man who likes a background story so this runs a bit long, but for those who just want to cut to the chase, look for the dividing line about halfway through the post.
Back in college, I was just beginning to find a strong passion for writing. I was a junior, had recently been dumped by my gf of 2 years (the long distance thing's legs finally gave out), and because I was so accustomed to staying in on weekends to avoid the temptation of cheating with some drunk coed, I found myself with plenty of time on my hands. So I would write. Then one day I came across a flyer for a university short story contest, I submitted one of my works, and lo and behold I won. Rather, I was one of a few winners. Fast forward a bit and I came to understand that it was actually kind of a big deal. All of the 'winners' had to attend this big white table-cloth dinner with the entire writing department and read their stories at a podium in front of the whole goddamn room. Luckily, I have never really had much trouble with public speaking and my recent dumping left me with a general glaze of apathy that proved to be quite useful. So overall the night went off without a hitch and that was that. I went home.