Sitting in my graduate class at a small, not very Greek college, I overhear a few students talking about Greek life, and who hazes and what they went through and how their chapter at another school (my alma mater, no less) were “totally snobby.” The room got quiet, and the guy laughed it off and spoke much quieter about his opinions. Good idea, bro.
I was a sorority girl. I am proud that I was a sorority girl. The friendships I made in Alpha Phi are deeper than any I had formed before, and on any given day you’ll see my O Ring, symbolizing my Omicron chapter at the University of Missouri. So yes, I get I credibly offended when I hear others bad mouth Greek life. So let’s clear some things up:
Do sororities and fraternities haze? I don’t know. Mine did not – as new members, we were treated like princesses. But all it takes is one screw up to ruin it for the rest of us.
Didn’t you just pay for friends? Maybe. I paid for a community to belong to; for the confidence to walk around a campus of 30,000 and know I wasn’t alone. I paid to live in a mansion with 80 of my closest friends. I paid for sisterhood events, socials and homecoming decorations (that I also spent hours on). And I promise, not a dime was wasted or regretted.
Well, all you do is party. Yep, partied so hard I graduated with honors a semester early from the best journalism school in the country. Oh, wait…
Look, I’m not going to tell you to join Greek life. It’s not for everyone. But for the lucky few, it’s more than a few Greek symbols on a sweatshirt, or hours spent pomping a house dec(oration). It’s a history of tradition, community and pride.
Would you walk into the Big House talking about how Michigan is overrated? No? Then don’t speak badly about Greeks – you never know when one is down the aisle.
I love great advertising. Plain and simple. And the Monsters University spot shown during the Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl this past week is just that: great.
It fit in SO well with the college football experience (I have teared up at the Mizzou spot a time or two), and the website is fantastic. Plus, it’s Disney-Pixar. They can’t screw up in my mind.
Also this week, Nike released what might as well be ad of the year (to hockey fans, at least).
Is hockey really Nike’s? Not in America. But dammit, it’s not the NHL’s. And the fact that Steve Stamkos is holding a fish and Ovechkin is just hanging out, speaking Russian in Russia is fabulous.
The glory days of journalism, when all you needed was a pad of paper and a typewriter.
I stumbled upon this killer Pinterest board this morning thanks to my former teacher & mentor Mr. Mitch Eden. Scrolling through pages of layout designs and visuals made me remember what really fueled my passion five years ago when I was accepted into the Mizzou School of Journalism – the desire to make a difference.
As an 8th grade student at Oakville Middle School, I already knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life – I was going to be a journalist. Whether I was writing for the back page of Sports Illustrated or designing layouts for Cosmopolitan, I wanted to be first in line with my notebook and recorder. I soared through writing papers and joined the school newspaper team as soon as I could. Playing around after school finding funny things to print seemed so juvinille, but I loved it.
I entered high school on cloud nine, hearing only the best about the Prowl newspaper. After waiting the necessary year, I signed up immediately for Journalism 1 and became entranced with Rick Reilly articles and principles of reporting. I knew I found my niche. That December issue of the Prowl was my first published work – an article about the 2005 NHL Lockout and how it affected fans and local players. It’s still one of my favorite articles.
The following year I took on the role of sports editor. Lucky for me, I went to a school with a pretty killer hockey team, so I was able to pitch stories and assign writers for our State Champion Tigers and more. I wrote the first Prowl article about Facebook, the quiet, college social network that was expanding into high schools. OK – I failed at predicting the future, but I learned the tricks and tips it took to become a real writer.
Towards the end of my junior year, I was pumped to start the following year of the Prowl. My best friend Jackie was Editor In Chief, and I was layout editor. It was going to be the best year yet, until Eden dropped a bomb – “I’m taking a position with Kirkwood.” I’m not sure what emotion took over more in room 234 – shock, disbelief or silent. The man who helped fuel my passion was leaving during the most crucial year of my career (or so I thought). Still, there is no one I respect more.
Senior year began and the Prowl was published as planned. I was unable to be in the Journalism class due to scheduling conflicts, yet I was in room 234 a whopping 14 + hours a week developing layouts, articles and even Yearbook pages. It was this time that I began writing columns – the prequel to Sorry I’m Not Sorry and Glatz & Glamour if you will.
I applied to the one and only University of Missouri without a doubt in my mind, and was admitted to the Journalism school immediately. I took a turn along the way, studying Strategic Communication, however I still learned plenty in my Principles of Journalism class and reporting. I even took a dream position with Inside Hockey covering my St. Louis Blues.
As I sit at my desk, writing up a document on the network I never thought would make it back in 2006, I hope that my passion hasn’t completely died. After all, you’re never too old to dream, right? Who knows, maybe you’ll see my shining face gracing the back page of Sports Illustrated someday.
Although this is the month I cannot spell to save my life (seriously, I’m shocked my spell checker doesn’t pop up a box that says “Seriously, it’s not that hard.”), I’ve got some good things going this month that I must share.
1. DGB signs with Mizzou: OK – This just happened like 30 minutes ago, but it’s pretty awesome that my alma mater got the #1 recruit in the nation, Dorial Green-Beckham. That will be quite a way to start our first season in the SEC off!
2. Visiting Antique Archaeology in Nashville: Does anyone else watch American Pickers? These guys are hilarious, and they find the most interesting things throughout the country to sell at their stores in Iowa and Nashville. And lucky for me – I get to go to the Nashville store! I doubt we’ll come home with an Indian, but you can bet I’ll be proudly wearing my tee!
3. St. Louis Blues at Nashville Predators: This is the real reason we’re heading to Nashville this weekend. I’ve been to an away Cardinals game at Pittsburgh, but the rivalry wasn’t there. The Blues and Nashville have just one point separating them in the West. Plus, I’ve got a Backes jersey to wear (with cowboy boots – don’t judge) and a strange urge to hear “I like it, I love it.” But only once.
4. Super Bowl XVIII: If you’re thinking, “why does she care about the game?” You’re completely right – I don’t. But I do love the ads! The ones I’ve seen so far have been awesome, and I can’t wait for more.
5. Valentine’s Day! I know, I know. Completely cheesy, but I like it! Plus, I picked up a super cute dress from Express that I’m dying to wear.
So what are you looking forward to most in February? Any leap year babies? Hopefully it’s a great month for all!
Don’t judge on the cliche topic – I had a damn good year! Let’s go backwards.
5. Mizzou 100th Homecoming: You never forget where you came from, and Mizzou homecoming will always be a top event in my heart. After spending four years pomping house decorations, glittering alpha phi posters and watching Mizzou football, I was happy to be able to just enjoy this year’s festivities.
4. World Series Win: OK – I wasn’t directly involved, obviously, but I truly enjoyed watching along the Cardinals journey. (did that really just come out of my mouth?) I went to easily 10-15 games, including a few Cubs series with my favorite Chicago kids (the Cards won, of course). We also traveled to Pittsburgh for a series with the Pirates, so I felt like I could really enjoy this season’s victory.
3. Getting my first job: Now you might ask, “Ashley, didn’t you quit there?” And yes, I have since moved on, however, getting your first job is quite an accomplishment that should not be ignored. O&B gave me tools that I needed to enter the professional world as well as giving me my first real paycheck, which is pretty awesome.
2. Moving out: Sorry Mom & Dad, but moving out is awesome. Sure, it’s a lot of hard work and a lot of time spent cleaning, decorating, organizing, etc., but I now am able to truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me in the past 22 years. Plus, I love being able to cook for myself [hi, half my Christmas gifts were kitchen supplies!] and decorate myself [thank you Hobby Lobby]. Oh, and that cute roommate of mine helps.
1. My first puppy: I doubt this comes as a surprise to anyone. Yadi has been the best thing to happen to me this year, if not the past 22. There is something so special about coming home to a wagging tail and a huge lick on your face, and since July 30, I’ve been able to experience it first hand.
What will 2012 hold for me? Who knows, but I’m sure next year at this time, I’ll have five more great things to share.
Editors Note I’m not sure how I missed this, but I’d like to add a tie with #4 – watching the Boston Bruins clinch the Stanley Cup at the ESPN Zone in Orlando with my dad and a room full of Bruins fans. Nothing can beat that experience, unless of course the Blues bring home the prize in 2012.
