A Night to Remember

Ever since I was in 5th grade I have been an avid football fan. I recall the first game I watched with my dad where he explained move by move, play by play to me. I was 11 years old and a 5th grader at the time. I was in my Saints skirt, shirt and had my lucky clip in. It was the playoffs and the Saints were playing the Vikings. The day before, we went to the airport and watched the Saints take off. I saw the reporters that covered the game and thought how neat that would be. I listened to the callers from the press-box who were elevated and could see everything and thought it would be really neat to be there. Since I decided to to journalism, I opted to either go with fashion or sports, but alas, I have found my calling.

Flash forward 9 years later. I'm 20 years old and at the Boise State-Tech game. I'm with my friends sitting in student section dancing around with our faces painted as I text my journalism professor, Judith. She asked what I was doing at the game and such and if I was painted up...then I got the text that would change my life. It read, "U can come 2 the press box and cover the last half if u want."

I nearly fainted when I read that. I told my friends I'd see them later because I WAS GOING TO THE PRESS BOX! No more drunkies, no obnoxious people, no more dumb blondes and I could see everything! I sprinted to the bathroom, washed my paint off (people inquired if I thought the game was bad enough to wash it off and my response was I'M GOING TO THE PRESS BOX, PEOPLE!"

I said it super excited with dance moves. Imagine that. Well I sprint over to the other side as fast as I could go (I didn't fall...BONUS!) and I see Judith at the elevator. She handed me my press pass and we got on the elevator...note: my stomach is in knots and I'm texting my parents ninety-to-nothing.

The elevator stops and the doors open. I had this incredible view of the field, my friends and the reporters around me. I took notes, absorbed every moment and cheered on, quietly. I felt like I was following my dream as I looked at stats, took notes on actions and felt so ESPN-esque up there.

And I got to thinking: had I gone to LSU, I would never have this experience, have my amazing friends or these opportunities at my feet. I love doing sports with a passion and hope to work my way in media relations or with a big company someday (unless I'm a stay-at-home mom, of course). I cannot thank God enough for opening all of these amazing doors. And the best part is that I was offered to cover the next game, which I readily accepted. I've realized this year that writing for sports is possibly the best thing that could ever happen to me and I cannot thank Judith enough for giving me this opportunity.