Life is full of surprises—some good and some bad. I recently had a very good one. Perhaps the best one ever.
When I was in college 30 years ago, I studied both Journalism and Radio-Television. I favored writing and after a semester or so, set out to learn more about our campus newspaper,
the Trail Blazer. I loved the vibe and immediately knew I wanted in.
My dear friend, Brad, gave me my first shot as a humor writer. It is funny because my mom has told me multiple times this blog reminds her so much of my writing in college. I always smile when she says it.
Later, with the encouragement of my friend, Jason, I became the entertainment editor. Finally, I stepped into the position of managing editor, which I held for three semesters.
During my three-plus years as part of the Trail Blazer staff, I made some of my best friends and memories. I don’t regret one 3 a.m. production night and getting up the next day for a 9 a.m. class. These were my people. This was my thing.
When Josie was home last weekend, she was working on her schedule for the spring semester. I asked her what classes she was thinking about taking. She explained she had all of her prerequisite classes done and was going to try some stuff outside of STEM. She is totally a math and science gal.
The first class on her list was a public relations class. Imagine my surprise and delight! I was also shocked. Very, very shocked. My emotions then turned to very proud and flattered. Sometimes I think she has no idea what I do. I couldn’t believe she was going to take a class about it.
She also told me she wanted to do a documentary photography class, but had to get special permission from the professor since she was not a communications major. She is no major. She is a senior in high school who goes to a STEM academy at my alma mater with other high school students from across the state. All of the classes she takes are college courses, but usually in math or science.
Anywho, she emailed the instructor and did not get a reply. My kid is a bulldog. She went to the teacher’s office and camped out till he turned up.
Next, she pleaded her case for the class. They talked for a while and the topic of the Trail Blazer came up. He is the advisor of the newspaper, as well. It must have been a good talk because he asked her if she would have any interest in being on the staff.
She called me moments later and was crazy excited. She told me the story about the class and then laid the Trail Blazer bit on me. I screamed and started sobbing. She had to wait for me to calm down. The best part of it all was, she was excited too.
I can’t even explain the incredible happiness and excitement this brought me. I immediately texted my besties from my Trail Blazer days and told them the story. They were just as excited.
I’m not sure if this will work due to her schedule and the fact that she is still technically a high school student. However, I’m going to hang on to the dream for as long as I can.
Josie wants to be a chemical engineer. She also wants to be well-rounded and explore more things. The fact she chose her momma’s stuff to explore leaves me speechless. Let me tell you, that shit rarely happens.
So, here’s to journalism, a great kid and perhaps a family tradition. Josie’s dad also wrote for the Trail Blazer. Our joke is, I was his boss 30 years ago and very little has changed. I hope Josie will “seek truth and report it,” but also hope she lets me relive my youth, and three of the best years of my life, through her. #onceaneaglealwaysaneagle
Sidenote: In the pic are me (in the hat) and my best girls from my Trail Blazer days. I love these ladies to the moon and back. They are my people.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
