Looking back to see how I got started in journalism, I've realized  I've had a pretty wild road getting to where I am today. 

 

It starts out with me as a clueless 18 year old who's been accepted to Ball State University. I had no idea what I wanted to do for the rest of my life–partying and meeting new people was at the top of my agenda. Near the tail-end of my freshman year, I was coaxed into majoring in physical therapy by my mother and grandmother. They both said, "Oh you're so good with people. Everyone likes you." So I was like, 'what the hell, why not.' I started going to physical therapy classes and kind of enjoyed them. It was better than just going to gen. ed. classes. I also began to go shadow other physical therapists to see what they do on a daily basis. I had fun while I was visiting them but something seemed off. I couldn't put my finger on it. I just knew physical therapy wasn't my calling.

 

After a little more than a year of physical therapy, I realized I needed out. I was tired of helping people walk–especially considering they would yell at you because it hurt them. After a night of heavy drinking and a long heart-to-heart with my best friend Tripp Gorman (God rest his soul), I decided to try my luck with Journalism. He was already majoring in journalism and was having me edit his stories weeks before we had our talk. Plus, he had given me an AP Style book he stole from his school's (this is a Christian school now) library. I had to go for it. I still have that book too.

 

Ever since, I haven't looked back. I absolutely love it. I'm no Hemmingway when it comes to my writing but I feel like I am everytime I come across a story and get to write it. I couldn't believe I hadn't seen it sooner. I guess I just needed two years of aimlessly wondering through college partying, going to classes I didn't care for, and a long heart-to-heart with a best friend to realize what I needed to do for the rest of my life. After Tripp died in 2011, I felt I needed to not only stay in journalism, but be successful as well. Trust me, I want to be a journalist, but I also feel an obligation to carry the torch for Tripp since he no longer can. And I'm doing all I can to make sure I make it as a journalist. 

 

I've been able to do so many sweet things since majoring in journalism. I've met an uncountable amount of people and have been able to share their story. I've gone to Russia to cover the Olympics because of it. To Russia. Seriously? 

 

I've also been able to work for an award-winning, student-run magazine. I've called Ball Bearings home for the past two years. I started as writer and within less than a year I was the managing editor of print. I received a Louie Award for Most Improved Staffer because of this. 

 

Currently, I'm the managing editor of iPad at Ball Bearings and it's so cool. First off, iPad. Enough said there. In all seriousness, it's amazing what we can do with it. Not only are we publishing amazing stories, we are incorporating interactive designs, video and photo to accompany the text. If you would have told me I'd be doing this kind of stuff when I was a freshman, I would have said bs. 

 

I've also taken a drive through the digital side of the magazine industry. I recently interned at Indianapolis Monthly magazine where I was a digital intern (digitern). There, I helped manage IM's website by uploading content, maganging blogs, and editing photos for weekly news letters. I was taught analytics and a few other things. I've got the know-how when it comes to digital media.

 

Since being at Ball Bearings and Indianapolis Monthly, I've learned how to interview people, find the story people want to see and manage a bunch of busy students to put a magazine together. I'm constantly doing what I can to improve my craft and through this I've learned I have what it takes. I know I can make it as a journalist.