This Is Why We're Here
I just got home, two one-liter Dr. Pepper's in hand, and have had this blog entry on my mind for the past few hours.
Tonight, I covered a public meeting about methamphetamine use in the Concho Valley and what types of programs the community thought would best serve them. There was a recovering meth addict who spoke tonight. She's recovered to the point to regain custody of her children and is now helping others who are going through the same programs she went through.
One goal of the meeting was to talk about what the community needed to help fight the problems.
One problem that was brought up and continued upon was the lack of coverage from the media in town. I didn't announce myself or even talk about the people's concern - you don't make yourself part of the story.
I did speak with the lady who helped me with the advance on this story, though. The ability to truly give this beat what it deserves can't be accomplished with general assignments stuff throughout the weeks, but I also understand that just may not be possible to accomplish as far as finances and qualified people go. I might not get that here and I might not get that anywhere, but it's something I will constantly search for.
I started to wonder last night if maybe this is where I'm needed, if this was kind of a sign that I need to stay and help tell this story. The only problem with that is I see no end to the story and wonder if I would ever accomplish it.
That ties into the story I wrote tonight. It's a news story with a feature hook to it. It's not going to win any Pulitzers, but the story as well as the events of (I started this post last night and am finishing it Friday morning) Thursday night show why we do what we do.
Somebody mentioned to me yesterday that he felt bad sometimes because there were some of us (Chipsters) that had noble causes as to why we're here and he was doing this because he wanted to do sports. There is nothing at all wrong with that and I said as much.
The way we do this job, the opportunities we've been given and the instruction we've received, any justice at all, is to do the job well. When given the chance to be the eyes and ears of our readers, we can't stray from that.
As I told Sona last night, I don't want this to be rah-rah, but it's true.
It's going to be tough leaving here. I was given a lot of credit last night by one of my sources for what I'm doing, and it was hard for me to tell her that I'm not going to be here in about three weeks.
I almost feel like I'm letting some people down, but I'm at a point in my life where I have to begin my career and look out for myself and my well-being, too. I wish I had the luxury to hold back, but if the events of last night continue to drive me to find that, to tell that story, then maybe this is all worth it.
Izzy: Any paper would realize they made the right call when they picked you up. You represent the inspiration I have that young journos can get it right and hit the ground running. I wish you and Brandon nothing but happiness.
Sona: I know you're going to find the right gig to start convergence - especially when you find out what it means. I'd also still love to take you out for dinner soon.
Khris: It'd be nice for me to apply for a job where the name of Khristopher J. Brooks hasn't already come across their desk, but that's a good problem to have. I think you and I are the vocal representation of this Chips Quinn class and I have absolutely no problem with it.
Little Duck: A swift kick in the balls can resolve any newsroom drama. Think about that.
A.D.: If the Braves give up Wilson Betemit for Scott Proctor, I'm going to pistol-whip a baby, I swear.
Courtney, Kate, Ramon and Tres: Trojans For Everybody! Reunion sooner rather than later.
As I told Sona last night, there were so many emotions running through me. I just need to channel them in the right direction.
Tonight, I covered a public meeting about methamphetamine use in the Concho Valley and what types of programs the community thought would best serve them. There was a recovering meth addict who spoke tonight. She's recovered to the point to regain custody of her children and is now helping others who are going through the same programs she went through.
One goal of the meeting was to talk about what the community needed to help fight the problems.
One problem that was brought up and continued upon was the lack of coverage from the media in town. I didn't announce myself or even talk about the people's concern - you don't make yourself part of the story.
I did speak with the lady who helped me with the advance on this story, though. The ability to truly give this beat what it deserves can't be accomplished with general assignments stuff throughout the weeks, but I also understand that just may not be possible to accomplish as far as finances and qualified people go. I might not get that here and I might not get that anywhere, but it's something I will constantly search for.
I started to wonder last night if maybe this is where I'm needed, if this was kind of a sign that I need to stay and help tell this story. The only problem with that is I see no end to the story and wonder if I would ever accomplish it.
That ties into the story I wrote tonight. It's a news story with a feature hook to it. It's not going to win any Pulitzers, but the story as well as the events of (I started this post last night and am finishing it Friday morning) Thursday night show why we do what we do.
Somebody mentioned to me yesterday that he felt bad sometimes because there were some of us (Chipsters) that had noble causes as to why we're here and he was doing this because he wanted to do sports. There is nothing at all wrong with that and I said as much.
The way we do this job, the opportunities we've been given and the instruction we've received, any justice at all, is to do the job well. When given the chance to be the eyes and ears of our readers, we can't stray from that.
As I told Sona last night, I don't want this to be rah-rah, but it's true.
It's going to be tough leaving here. I was given a lot of credit last night by one of my sources for what I'm doing, and it was hard for me to tell her that I'm not going to be here in about three weeks.
I almost feel like I'm letting some people down, but I'm at a point in my life where I have to begin my career and look out for myself and my well-being, too. I wish I had the luxury to hold back, but if the events of last night continue to drive me to find that, to tell that story, then maybe this is all worth it.
Izzy: Any paper would realize they made the right call when they picked you up. You represent the inspiration I have that young journos can get it right and hit the ground running. I wish you and Brandon nothing but happiness.
Sona: I know you're going to find the right gig to start convergence - especially when you find out what it means. I'd also still love to take you out for dinner soon.
Khris: It'd be nice for me to apply for a job where the name of Khristopher J. Brooks hasn't already come across their desk, but that's a good problem to have. I think you and I are the vocal representation of this Chips Quinn class and I have absolutely no problem with it.
Little Duck: A swift kick in the balls can resolve any newsroom drama. Think about that.
A.D.: If the Braves give up Wilson Betemit for Scott Proctor, I'm going to pistol-whip a baby, I swear.
Courtney, Kate, Ramon and Tres: Trojans For Everybody! Reunion sooner rather than later.
As I told Sona last night, there were so many emotions running through me. I just need to channel them in the right direction.
posted by Joe at 8:11 AM
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