150+ sports stories to my name and here it is, the final one. So let’s get into it.
Sometime before what was supposed to be my junior year, I elected to change my major from exercise & sports science to journalism. Truth be told, I probably couldn’t tell you exactly why either.
All I knew about journalism was that it might give me a chance to talk about sports. But I was fully uncertain of how I was going to make it happen.
One night out, a good friend of mine mentioned that he joined The Star and that I should look into it. So, James, I feel thanks are in order for the suggestion.
That night, a new idea was born. Shortly after, I applied to the sports section. Zero hesitation, zero expectations, just a kid trying to figure out the correct path to take.
I don’t remember much about my interview, but I do remember that I was hired on the spot. Just like that, my foot was in the door.
I got straight to work, writing recap after recap and story after story. Eventually, it came time to apply for an editor position.
I was passed over. Twice. And I won’t lie, it sucked.
The second time I was passed over, I seriously considered quitting, because after 100 stories, I felt there was nothing left for me. I’d done everything I needed to with the reporter title.
But, a voice said, “stay.” So I listened.
Now, here’s where my “victory lap” comes into play. Somewhere in my college career, I fell behind on credits, meaning it was going to take me a fifth year to get the job done. I wasn’t happy about it; I felt like I was lagging behind.
But, lo and behold, as my fifth and final year approached, I had the opportunity to apply for editor again, something that wasn’t supposed to happen. But, by a fateful coincidence, did.
On my third attempt, I was hired. It finally felt like I was where I was supposed to be. If it wasn’t for my fifth year, I never would’ve become sports editor.
On this victory lap of mine, I’ve learned that I truly love sports journalism and that it was silly of me to ever consider giving it up. I’ve made new friends, built a community that I was missing for so long as a commuter student and fully immersed myself in what I believe I want to do for the rest of my life.
To Ayden, I’m certain that you are going to do great things as the next sports editor. Thank you for your hard work as my assistant. Always remain confident in your ability to lead the section.
To Belle, words cannot describe how fortunate I am to have found you at this point in my life. I will forever be grateful to The Star for bringing us together and giving me my best friend. I love you, darlin’, and I can’t wait for what’s to come.
To my mom and dad, thank y’all for supporting this journey of mine through college and being my biggest fans during my time with The Star. I would never be where I am without y’all.
To The Star, thanks for giving me some of the coolest experiences of my life so far. From covering bowl games to a weekend spent working at Minute Maid Park, I loved every second.
As I approach the finish line, I’ll leave with this. Everything will work out in God’s timing. I never considered journalism; I never considered it would take me an extra year to get through college. But I ended up in the exact position I was supposed to be: the sports editor at The Star.
