Like this:

Well, it’s been a while since I got the job offer… but as of today, I am officially a sports assistant at the Statesman Journal. There was a delay (that’s the nice way of putting it, more on that later) in the drug testing process, but now I’m on payroll as soon as I sign one or two more documents. Progress. I’ll take it. I’m one step closer to getting my ID badge, which allows me to get in the door. Otherwise, I have to call in and have someone open the door for me. Kind of annoying. Soon, that will be no more.

Anyways, there’s other good news: the reason for the title is that I’ve been assigned to cover my first sports event this wednesday. It’s a local high school cross country meet… nothing too big, thankfully. But this will be the first time I’ve covered an event, i.e., gone to an event, gathered quotes and wrote the story. A pretty exciting opportunity. My first chance to be a legit reporter and journalist.

Am I scared? Absolutely. Having never done this before, I’m nervous about certain logistics and whatnot. But, the bottom line is that this is a great opportunity to get some experience. Who knows… I’ve never really wanted to be a reporter because of the stress of deadlines and the like. But, I keep telling people that I really like sports and I’m good at writing… and whadduya know, a sports reporter does both. This is just one assignment, so I’ll tackle this one and go from there.

Regarding the drug test stuff… talk about a frustrating time. The test itself is a swab you stick in the back of your mouth between the cheek and gums for several minutes. It is placed in a small container with some liquid and sealed shut to be sent to the testing company. I had to take three of these tests in a two and a half week period. There were errors on the first two tests, and the errors were not my fault. The container holding the first test specimen somehow leaked in transit, so we had to re-do it. The second test was sent away without a label that is required to be affixed to the container, so they got the container but were not legally able to test it. Awesome. I am not a druggie and the third test finally proved it. The third time truly was the charm and I found out friday that I had passed.

Good news for sure. It’s been a wacky ride to get to this point with this job. From the opportunity falling in my lap in August, to where I am now, it’s been crazy and hectic at times, uncertain and up in the air at others. But I know God provided me with this job and now I have the opportunity to cover a cross country meet… something I didn’t even come close to the last time I worked at the Statesman.

Bottom line: I have lots to be thankful for. I have a job that I enjoy, and while it’s only part time and doesn’t pay a ton, I know it’s what God wants for me right now. It’s a good feeling.

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