God, I’m lucky.
As I cleaned out the sports desk earlier this week as the paper prepares to move to Notre Dame, I realized how fortunate I am. I had the opportunity to work and play with some of the most gifted and talented people on this campus.
The University News staffs, the coaches and players I’ve known and befriended during my time as an undergraduate revealed many things to me, most of which apply to everyday life.
Most of the things my encounters have reinforced are very basic ideas that we seem to overlook. They reminded me that the most important things in life are the little things. That’s what makes us happy. I learned, among other things, that it’s often better to be quiet and just listen. Interviews are like any other conversation in life. Sometimes people forget that. I was amazed at what happens when you listen to what people have to say. It may not have any value to your story.
So what? There’s more to life than just accomplishing your goals. If you abandon your plan, whether that be planned questions or an overly planned day and just listen to someone, you’ll be amazed at what you can find out. It may not help your story, but it will help you-who you are and who you hope to be.
I’ve learned that you should do what you love. Enjoyment makes up for many other problems. SLU’s coaches, especially Tim Champion, Jill Pizzotti and Brad Soderberg all love what they do.
I’ve also learned that certain people on this staff have special talents, enough talent that they could teach a course in the area that they are gifted in.
“The Art of Chair Throwing,” taught by Cory Weaver. Nick Weber’s brainchild, this course deals with channeling your frustrations into a defenseless chair whenever your computer crashes.
“The Phone, Politeness, and You” with Eric Winters as instructor. Never has anyone brought so much phone etiquette into one office-crucial component to him being elected the head honcho next year.
“Sarcasm: It’s for Everyone,” Derek Johannsen, instructor. Learn the art of mocking people without them realizing it.
“Tact: Learn It, Use It,” instructed by Tina Barber. She’ll teach you how to treat others with respect by using their correct titles.
“Doing Everything Well,” taught by Diana Umali, shows freshmen how to accomplish every goal you’ve ever set for yourselves. And you accomplish every one, by God.
“Enthusiasm Abounds,” Krissy Claes instructor. Learn to find happiness and energy in everything that you do. Yoga is a prerequisite.
“Writing the Technically Sound Paper,” taught by Mary Murphey. She’ll show you how to spell everything right and write sentences that make sense and make you look good.
“How to Get a Great Quote,” Sharon Turlek, instructor. She teaches the intangible of developing trust the first time that you interview a coach or player.
“How to Write a Clean First Draft,” Brian Reardon, instructor. One and done, that’s all you get.
“Writing How You Speak,” Ryan Noonan, instructor. It is what it says. If you speak well, you’re fine. If you don’t, well.
“Effectively Filling your Space,” Josh Brewster instructor. No one does it better with strong copy.
“How to Put in Corrections while Playing Shortstop for SEMO,” instructed by Zach Borowiak. Even though it’s two people with the same name, we’ll act like he’s one. It’s more fun that way.
The coaches, players and The University News staff-they remind me why I love what I do so much. They’re what I love about this. They are what make the paper special. Here’s hoping for good luck in your new home next year. I expect continued greatness here. And the paper should be good, too.
