Here’s how you can get paid to watch football on Friday nights

Have you ever actually sat down and contemplated what your entry into the world of writing and journalism might look like? Well, as someone who is obsessed with planning ahead and working out the details of every possible outcome, I wish to share with you my story.

So, about three years ago I met a couple who would open up a world of possibilities for me.

I was at a Passover Seder at Congregation B’nai Israel in Galveston, and I just happened to be seated next to Michael Smith and Laura Elder who had been invited by the rabbi’s wife.

At first, I thought I would join the conversation by talking about silly, unimportant things like the food. But as soon as I realized who they were and that they were the editor and managing editor at the Galveston County Daily News, for a moment I was speechless, but then I found my voice.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for copy editing. I used to think my dream job was to be an editor for Penguin Publishing. Anyway, at this point in the conversation, I wanted all the details of how I could get into this exciting field.

I talked them into giving me a chance to prove my worth; I submitted work samples and took a couple of copy-editing tests.

Realize, too, that the whole time I was excited, I was also cripplingly anxious about whether a real professional thought I was as good as I’d hoped.

Well, all that paid off after a few weeks of persistently calling, and bugging, the editor. That’s right, I got into my dream field to do my dream work as a copy editor!

What I’m trying to get at is I saw an opportunity to go from a retail customer service representative to a professional at an esteemed, well-respected Texas newspaper.

Entry into the journalism field is challenging but also very rewarding.

I encourage everyone interested in getting their start in their journalism career, to apply to The Daily News. There are several different types of work you can do at a newspaper, and there is even an opening.

At a newspaper, there are jobs all the way from selling ads to make revenue to working in the press and physically printing the paper. Currently, there is a sports writing position that’s ideal for a UHCL student who likes watching Friday night football and wants to turn that into extra cash.

Particularly at The Daily News, many people have used it as a stepping stone to bigger and better opportunities. I will use myself as an example: I am starting my new job as a news editor at a sister paper this week.

Remember when I said there are jobs from selling ads in the paper all the way through production and stuffing those ads into the finished product? The opportunities for advancement from start to finish are plentiful!

I hope this column goes beyond inspiring the small selection of communication majors reading this. If I had to sum up my point it would be to follow your dreams and don’t be afraid to adapt your dreams when new opportunities come along.

And here’s one last thought I’ll leave you with:

Sports Editor James LaCombe said, “Reliable, ambitious writers are strongly encouraged to apply.”