Issue Two - Inspired to pull through.

So issue two is being sent to the printer as we speak, but the process did not happen without a few mishaps. Our original intention was to run ten pages, with a photo essay for the arts page and three sports pages. The final result ended with the photo essay page cut and a features page cut, and each sports page wound up having a half page ad.

After Issue One, I felt comfortable. I felt as if the writers under me had everything they needed to get stories in early. Apparently I was wrong, except for a few writers. I received text messages from each new writer, informing me that their respective stories would not be in until after the original deadline. Hoping it would not be too far past the deadline, I remained calm, knowing that I could edit stories and get them on pages, ready to design and get edited more.

But when these stories did not reach me until, at the earliest, noon on Wednesday, I was freaking out inside.

I do remember being a new writer on staff, and I do remember turning my stories in late, but I knew that it had to get done. I see a lot of potential in these writers, but one thing they need is to work A LOT harder on these stories, getting started quickly and getting the interviews done early while knowing what angle to write their stories about.

It takes a lot to be a dedicated journalist. I had no idea what journalism was all about, until my second semester on the staff when I took on three different sports beats, men's and women's water polo and football.

But I stuck through it. I knew what had to get done. I set up my interviews at a set time every day, went from one office to another, one practice to another, sometimes staying on campus until 9 p.m. on Mondays just to get a single interview because I knew my stories had to be in that night.

When I got home, I would make something to eat, transpose my notes (before I found a much easier way), watch SportsCenter and write each of my stories. When I got to school on Wednesday after working all day Tuesday, I would either work on a few things or start on another story.

This was a method I grew very fond of. Setting my interviews in stone so that I could budget my time; making sure people knew who I was on campus; making sure the athletes and coaches knew who I was and what my purpose was at their respective practices.

The funny thing is I don't remember how I was able to budget my time so well, but it happened.

Now, in my second sememster as Sports Editor, I recall how dedicated I was, not wanting to give up.

Today was one of those days that I reflected back on why I am so dedicated to what I am doing: I want to make my family proud.

Growing up, always watching sports, my family told me I would be great for a job in sports, but I always wanted to play, not knowing what else was there for me. Now, I am very happy to be a part of sports, especially covering the games that I love.