A wonderful story emerged on the way to being Editor-in-Chief for this publication.
Walking onto campus last August, I was not in a good place in my life.
But a meet-and-greet with an advisor opened a door to me that I thought was dead and gone. I re-invented my career path and quickly I found my way.
I thought I had a plan while attending Boise State University. I spent the better part of five semesters as sports editor for the student newspaper. I loved what I was doing, and I was good at it.
After spending my first six years out of high school in the United States Air Force, BSU allowed me to begin taking upper division classes my first semester there because of transfer credits from my time in the military — which included two part-time semesters here at American River College.
But when it came time for me to finish my general education prerequisites, I slacked off. And then real life took over.
Fast-forward six years, after a down-turned economy and a need of a change of scenery back in my home city of SacTown — and there I was walking through Rose Marks like I never left.
My life was in shambles, but I knew what I wanted: my life in journalism back. And that is why I am able to pen these words to you now.
This was a very interesting year for American River College and for me, too. There was astonishing triumph, heart-wrenching tragedy and changing of leadership.
It was a school year that I will never forget.
After the fall semester as sports editor following the football team as they went undefeated, I got my mojo back. Then I met some wonderful veterans on campus who shared their gut-wrenching pasts with me. And then this semester, as Editor-in-Chief, I broke out of my comfort zone from sports and loved every minute of it.
And that is why time spent at a community college is so wonderful. Like myself, there are thousands of other students redefining themselves here at ARC.
Use the time here to find yourself, learn from some of the most passionate professors who work tireless hours because they love academia.
Be a Beaver.
I am thankful for this opportunity to actually be in place to write this editorial. Thank you to all who helped me arrive at this amazing time in my life.
I am proud to say I am a Beaver, and I am proud to have my name and title of Editor-in-Chief associated with American River College.
