So close...

It's been a crazy year. I started last fall with apathy towards school. I didn't really care about much going on, although it was a pleasant surprise that Iowa State football was at least decent. I had just come off a summer that had been as good as any in recent memory, and was finally racing again. I think it was a huge letdown that the racing season was over, so nothing really interested me down here. Even when I got a job I couldn't really give a crap about it.

Then, second semester I started a job I'd been putting off. I joined the Iowa State Daily's Sports desk. I didn't really know what to expect going in. I just wanted to be accepted and liked. I know, I know, everyone everywhere hopes that for themselves. But I wanted to like writing and like being a full-time journalist. I didn't know how I'd get along with everyone, etc etc.

Turns out I'd been an idiot for waiting. Ever since the start of the semester and my time with the Daily, I've loved it. I've learned more in one semester than my two years at the Storm Lake Times. Nothing against them, I just didn't have the full-time experience and variance of subjects to write about. I became attached to the Sports desk and wanted to see it succeed.

So toward the end of the semester I began thinking about becoming an assistant editor. So, I applied. Long story short I got the job, and will be working with Jake Lovett and Chris Cuellar next year as editors. I couldn't be more excited. I've become attached not only to sports but to the entire Daily. A friend who works there told me not to let the Daily consume my life, not to get too attached. Well, guess I didn't take that advice.

I guess I'm just happy I found something while at school I can throw myself at and have it really mean something to my life and my future.

And now we're at the end of the year. I have a full summer of racing and writing for the Times ahead of me. For the first time in a long time, there are multiple things in my future I can really look forward to. It's nice. It also feels good to be content with life for a change. So here's to everyone at the Iowa State Daily who've made me feel welcome, and who've accepted me into the fold. I can't wait for the fall (okay, that's a lie. I can wait because I really can't wait to race this summer) and to work with you all again.

Decisions, decisions

Why must life decisions be so hard? Tonight I was given two choices. Both of which are wonderful, and could positively affect my career in a large way. I can't tell you how honored I am to be given those choices (of which I won't discuss yet, as things aren't exactly official). What I will say is that this whole thing has made me really think about my future and how I want things to play out. I don't know if I like that. It's daunting to consider the next 20 or 30 years of your life.

I guess all I really want is a clear-cut sign of what to do. I know the man upstairs has a plan for me, but boy it'd be nice if he'd give me some clue here. I know I'm a lucky person, though. A wonderful problem like this doesn't come around too often. That, however, doesn't mean it's easy. But, I will say this: regardless of the path I choose, it's nice to know I have people that believe in me enough to give me the options.

So, for now, I must ponder what life has in store for me. Wish me luck.

Wishing I was young again..

Ah, to be young. There’s nothing like being in college—anyone who’s ever been will tell you that. The independence we get to experience for the first time, and being able to do whatever and go wherever we want is something we get used to pretty fast. But I’ve come to a realization: I miss being a kid.

Our parents told us our whole childhood, “Enjoy this, because you’re only young once.” None of us listened, because all we wanted was to be older so we could do whatever. But our parents were right.

I mean, think about it, what was your biggest worry as a 12 year-old? Will I get a new bike? Will the pool be open today? If I eat this cake before supper, will Mom find out? That’s some serious stuff, right?

Fast forward to college. Bills. Tuition. Groceries. Gas. Books. You name it. For those of us who don’t have the luxury of our parents paying for our schooling—and I’m not condemning those whose parents are—we deal with these worries every day. And it sucks. I would love to be able to only have to worry about my bike or the pool again.

But, then again, I wouldn’t give up all the good in my life right now for anything. It’s just nice to be nostalgic once in a while.

Maybe I should just buy a bike and go to the pool.

The Warning

So, Eminem is angry again. He finally has something to write about. He's much better when he's pissed. Oh, and for future reference Nick Cannon, I wouldnt challenge him again, because you lost. Big.

Get Him to the Greek trailer

Here's the trailer for Get Him to the Greek. Lot of heavy hitters in this one. Looks hilarious. Jonah Hill is hilarious, and says Diddy will surprise people. I hope he's right.

Hallucinations video

Here's the video for Angels and Airwaves' first single Hallucinations from their new album LOVE. Pretty good video. Even better album. Check it out here. AVA will be in Des Moines on April 15 with Say Anything opening.

Journalistic integrity

I was talking to a friend online today, and I found something out that really disturbed me. She (I won't say names to protect those involved) was involved in a sexual harassment incident at work. Some guy was being really creepy, and this girl reported him to a superior. The situation didn't escalate from there.

Unfortunately, a columnist from a newspaper happened to hear about the situation. Didn't see it, heard about it while she was getting her hair done. This columnist then wrote a column about what happened, misquoting the victim of the harassment (my friend), saying she had tears welling up in her eyes, and commenting to those around her "How dare he touch me."

My friend said none of what this columnist wrote happened. If this is in fact the case--and I have no reason to believe she's lying to me--then there is a serious breach of journalistic integrity going on here. Not only did the columnist misquote a source, my friend told me she was never contacted about the story in any way.

You can't tell me it's good journalism to make up a story you think people will want to read. Especially in a situation as sensitive as sexual harassment. As journalists, we have to be fair and accurate, am I right? Well, this was neither. And with the lack of accountability  that I'm sure will follow, the publication the columnist writes for, as well as herself, will hurt because of it. Integrity is of the utmost importance. And it's disappointing that someone with a column and power at her publication is displaying that kind of (lack of) integrity.

Here's to hoping more journalists aren't like this, and that our generation of writers can be more accountable.