It's funny, I'm designing the sports section of the Capital-Journal again tonight, and I can't help but wonder why I chose to major in mass media at Washburn. I've learned more working at the C-J and being sports editor of the Washburn Review than I have in any mass media classes at Washburn, save for the theoretical classes (which I do enjoy).

I could've easily majored in actuarial science like I was and given myself more options and a job in a field that, quite frankly, isn't choking. But I love mass media way more than math these days. I'd rather make no money than hate my job.

Either way, I guess my classes have basically given me a place to solidify my skills and pick up the random InDesign tip. But when it comes to mass media, it really is what real-world experience you have and who you know. You can't learn to design or write under the pressure of deadline in class. It just isn't possible. Anyone can write a news story, but can you write it in 10 minutes because the game went into overtime?

It's crazy to think, 4 years ago I started at the C-J as a part-timer in high school answering phones and typing up box scores, standings and other sports agate. And now I'm designing sections and I love it. The hours aren't glamorous, the pay is bad but the satisfaction is solid. How many people can say their work is seen by thousands each day?