Well, the next chapter in my life is finally turning.
I remember thinking back to the night the calendar switched to 2010. I knew it was going to be a big year — I just didn’t know how yet. I was heading into my final semester at Central Michigan University. Everything beyond that was a blank sketch. I had no idea what I would be doing or where I would end up by the time 2011 rolled around — only that I’d be working my first job in journalism, hopefully online.
That was so exciting to think about but, in a way, it’s also a little scary. I had a feeling my time in Michigan was limited, based on the job outlook. That would mean spending time away from my friends and family, who I have an amazing relationship with. That would mean spending time away from the Great Lakes, the family lakehouse near Clare, the places I shared great memories with back home in Saginaw. I’ve spent all 23.5 years of my life in this state.
That’s going to change once September rolls around.
On Wednesday afternoon, I officially accepted a job as online sports producer of the Arizona Republic. Or, in the words of LeBron James, “I’m taking my talents to the Valley of the Sun.” I’ll be starting sometime in September.
For me, this is an unbelievably exciting opportunity for an entry-level job. I’ve loved sports my entire life, and online journalism has been, by far, my largest passion the past year-and-a-half. I get to work for a news organization which, in my opinion, is ahead of the curve in online journalism, and I get to follow Arizona sports, which I already follow anyway, particularly the Suns. This also is an opportunity for me to live out West for the first time, which I’ve always thought about doing at least once in my life. It’s a great chance to gain a new perspective, even if I am still in the United States.
It seems like I have a million people to thank for this. Everyone I’ve ever worked for and with at Central Michigan Life, especially my adviser, Neil Hopp, for building me as a journalist, setting the course for my career and — most of all — being such great friends. Those of you I’ve met at CoPress or on Twitter, for networking with me, helping me with occasional questions/ideas and engaging on journalism. The Grand Rapids Press, for being so supportive throughout both my internships and working with me to maximize my experience there. Most of all, my friends and family, for being downright amazing people. I would never be where I’m at today without any of you.
And so, for these last six weeks or so, I’m going to finish up in Grand Rapids, make all the arrangements needed for the move to the Phoenix area and, of course, say goodbye to everyone in Michigan. That won’t be easy, but it’s something I have to do — for now.
See you on the other side!
Posted by Brian Manzullo at July 29, 2010
Journalism, Updates