Crunch time

It is almost the end of the semester. Most years, a joyous feeling. However, this year it feels extremely bittersweet. This half of a school year has been by far the most entertaining and enjoyable. I recall last December dreading this time, when I was going to be enrolled in Biology 2 and other such less-than-desirable courses. Instead, I pulled a switcheroo and ended up taking three classes (Mass Communications, Newspaper and Reporting, and BCIS) and have never looked back. Considering my major will be Broadcast Journalism or Communications, these 3 have been critical for me getting into my field of study. Not only that, but I have been learning from one of the best in the Houston area, ESPN radio personality Fred Faour. He worked as a sports editor for the Houston Chronicle and now has a syndicated radio program on FM 97.5 "The Blitz".

I never thought I would get such an inside look into the industry, much less actually be under his tutelage by writing for the San Jacinto Times. I have been able to do features, news stories, sports stories, columns, a back page, a "Pop Culture Bracket", and other varied topics. It has been a blessing beyond my dreams, and I know God gave me this semester for a reason. He introduced me to Jerome Solomon (a sports writer for the Chronicle) and Eric Rowe (from 104.1 KRBE). Even today, I was in the studio with him as he hosted "The Blitz" and continue to learn. Hopefully I will keep in contact with him as I move onto another chapter in my life at Texas State, because our paths may cross again later in life.

Being completely honest, another reason it is bittersweet is because I am nervous to move away. Yes, I have not lived at home in months, but my parents are moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico, so it is almost like a complete cut-off. It will be something completely new and exciting, and I look forward to the challenge with Luke Crawford and Shawn Tripputi. These next years are going to be the best years of our lives.... so far.