Students should seize unexpected opportunites
February 6, 2014
A little over a month ago I was offered the role of sports editor for The Flor-Ala. My initial reaction was not one worth writing because thinking back on it, I don’t know what that reaction was.
I would imagine it was slight shock mixed with a little bit of confusion and then total elation at the thought of being considered for the position, but without hard facts to back that up, my Editor-in-Chief would be calling me into her office asking for my sources, so let’s stick with the facts. After having been a photographer for the past year, I told them I would think about it.
I mean, what did I know about sports?
I’ll honestly say I’m not worthy of the fan-of-the-year award. Nor do I get excited about Super Bowl Sunday or March Madness or the World Series. The amount of sports-specific terminology one has to learn for the role of Sports Editor is insane in and of itself.
So after a couple days consideration, my answer was an obvious… yes.
I approached this job just as I think every UNA student should approach their time at this school — with a desire to learn.
No, I don’t just mean read your books, go to class, listen to what your teachers say because they know everything — because they don’t, at least not all of the time.
What I mean is opening yourself up to the incredible opportunities you are given. When your interest is piqued, when you think something is not how it should be, or crazy, or just the tiniest bit intriguing, jump in headfirst. The only way to learn and grow is to experience.
After an incredible football season, spending the games in the endzones waiting for the winning touchdown so my photo could be on the front page — I decided I was intrigued by the game just enough to jump into this new role. I’m glad I did.
Not only am I experiencing the world of a sports reporter, but also that of an editor. I have a better understanding of what it takes to fill these roles and more respect for the others who do. If only for the benefit of understanding my coworkers I’m glad I accepted this position.
Too often do people criticize without having experienced what it is they are criticizing. The simple solution to this is to experience it. If you think something could be done better, then jump in headfirst. If you wonder why something is done a certain way, then go ahead, get your feet wet.
For me, it was just wanting to experience something new. To use the skills I had – a background in management and design – and build on those with a new skill set in sports reporting and editing.
Find what it is you are curious about. Find what it is you criticize. Find what it is and learn it. Jump in headfirst and experience something new. Lions jump in head first and here at UNA we are all lions.