So, the time has come that I must reflect on this past eight weeks of media writing and all of what I shared with you regarding the pursuit of my dream to work at ESPN.
I came to Hesser to create a new path to follow and change the direction of my life. That pursuit has really only begun, and I am truly excited to see what will comes out of all this. I feel more prepared, more confident and better educated than I did before returning to school. I have gained knowledge of my profession and strengthened the tools I already had. I have gained new tools to use to improve my chances in the career I am pursuing.
My passion and love for sports is the key to my success. The knowledge and experience I have gained is second to that passion. Without passion and love for something, the chances of being happy and having success will be limited. This writing course has helped me so much. It has opened my eyes to what's out there even more, and made me a more disciplined writer. It has given me a better understanding of just how important this pursuit is to me. It has allowed me to think more freely and open my mind each day. I can explain myself better and feel more comfortable with myself and with what I am trying to accomplish. I am grateful for the time I have spent here at Hesser and in this class.
I have eight more weeks to go before I complete my associates degree program in radio and video broadcasting. In eight weeks, I will have accomplished the first in a long list of goals I have set for myself. I have great will and determination to go on and succeed in this business and look to continue my education at a higher level. I am in the middle of applying to a four-year school as my time winds down here at Hesser. I am staying on top of all the work I need to do and following through with the plan I have come up with to create a better life for myself and do what I love.
My internship at WGAM is almost complete, and I look forward to seeing whether I will continue working at the station on a permanent basis. Wish me luck. I am fairly proud that I have challenged myself during the most troubling and difficult times I will probably ever have in my life.
I had to keep my head up during very hard times, when at times all I wanted to do was give up. I doubted myself and never thought I could get this far. I am doing this because I truly want to, and I truly have a passion for it. The fire burns inside me. Light is being shed after so much darkness. In the end, I want to know I made the right choice. I want to see the final result and I want to be able to look back and know I made the right choice to continue my education and follow the pursuit of my dream.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
World Series 2010
So it is set. After a riveting ALCS and NLCS in Major League Baseball's playoffs, the two teams that will compete for the coveted World Series Championship are now set.
As a Red Sox fan, I am truly pleased to see the New York Yankees out of the race. The Texas Rangers defeated the Yankees in game six of a seven-game series to advance to their first ever World Series. The defending national league champion Phillies were also defeated in game six of their series with the San Fransisco Giants, and the Giants are advancing to their first ever World Series championship since the franchise moved from New York.
To me as a fan of baseball, I am truly enjoying the fact that there are new teams in the World Series. It's easy to get bored of seeing the same teams all the time--unless the Boston Red Sox are involved. Two teams that have never won have something to play for. You're guaranteed a battle to the death to win the series and the championship. Both teams are playing for something. They are going to show us an epic series. If at the beginning of the playoffs I could pick two teams to play in the World Series, these two teams would be it. It should be an interesting series. Honestly, I couldn't tell you who will win or who I would want to pick to win. These teams are just too good and so exciting to watch.
As a Red Sox fan, I am truly pleased to see the New York Yankees out of the race. The Texas Rangers defeated the Yankees in game six of a seven-game series to advance to their first ever World Series. The defending national league champion Phillies were also defeated in game six of their series with the San Fransisco Giants, and the Giants are advancing to their first ever World Series championship since the franchise moved from New York.
To me as a fan of baseball, I am truly enjoying the fact that there are new teams in the World Series. It's easy to get bored of seeing the same teams all the time--unless the Boston Red Sox are involved. Two teams that have never won have something to play for. You're guaranteed a battle to the death to win the series and the championship. Both teams are playing for something. They are going to show us an epic series. If at the beginning of the playoffs I could pick two teams to play in the World Series, these two teams would be it. It should be an interesting series. Honestly, I couldn't tell you who will win or who I would want to pick to win. These teams are just too good and so exciting to watch.
On my Way
Many things are coming together and many opportunities are starting to be exposed.
As this class comes to an end within this next week, I will have completed a 17th class for my two-year associates' degree program. My internship at WGAM-AM will be complete in a few more weeks--about another 30 hours or so of a required 120 hours to obtain credit towards my degree. The grade will also count as a class would making an 18th class complete.
In about a week-and-a-half, I will start my final semester of classes; my final eight weeks here at Hesser College. I am starting to get more acquainted with different people in the radio and video business and immersing myself in different projects that are starting to come together. I am starting to have fun and enjoying the steps I am taking to get to do what I want to do.
I have come so far, and I have made such progress in school towards my education and overall in my life. I picked myself up from a near breakdown, followed my dreams and set goals for myself. I paced myself and took my time to make sure I did things right. So many times, I have thought about what I would do, and what would happen IF I went back to school.
Now, I can ask myself, "What NOW; what do I do next?" I don't have to doubt myself or psyche myself out anymore. I have grown more confident, and I have learned so much in this time, especially about myself. I will follow through with what I want to do. It is time for the next step, so I never have to look back. I have started applying to major colleges and universities to continue my education and obtain my bachelors' degree. I have been making calls and creating work for myself to keep busy and gain experience. I have been doing all I can to make myself better, and I can't wait to see where it all brings me.
As this class comes to an end within this next week, I will have completed a 17th class for my two-year associates' degree program. My internship at WGAM-AM will be complete in a few more weeks--about another 30 hours or so of a required 120 hours to obtain credit towards my degree. The grade will also count as a class would making an 18th class complete.
In about a week-and-a-half, I will start my final semester of classes; my final eight weeks here at Hesser College. I am starting to get more acquainted with different people in the radio and video business and immersing myself in different projects that are starting to come together. I am starting to have fun and enjoying the steps I am taking to get to do what I want to do.
I have come so far, and I have made such progress in school towards my education and overall in my life. I picked myself up from a near breakdown, followed my dreams and set goals for myself. I paced myself and took my time to make sure I did things right. So many times, I have thought about what I would do, and what would happen IF I went back to school.
Now, I can ask myself, "What NOW; what do I do next?" I don't have to doubt myself or psyche myself out anymore. I have grown more confident, and I have learned so much in this time, especially about myself. I will follow through with what I want to do. It is time for the next step, so I never have to look back. I have started applying to major colleges and universities to continue my education and obtain my bachelors' degree. I have been making calls and creating work for myself to keep busy and gain experience. I have been doing all I can to make myself better, and I can't wait to see where it all brings me.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Finish them off!!
With a 3-1 lead in a seven-game series, the Texas Rangers have the defending World Series Champion New York Yankees right where they want them. The Texas Rangers, which have never won a World Series title, have a chance to knock the defending champs right onto the couch. The Rangers go into game 5 at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, coming off of a 10-3 crushing on Tuesday, when the Rangers hit four home runs to spank the Yanks. The Rangers were led by a three run homer from catcher Bengie Molina and a pair of solo shots from All-Star Josh Hamilton.
The momentum looks to be on the side of the Rangers after going into Yankee Stadium and taking the first two games of a set of three games. The Rangers had won pretty handily on Monday when they won 8-0. Cliff Lee had a dominating performance and held the Yankees to only two hits and 13 strikeouts.
The Rangers look to make quick work and finish off the Yankees on Wednesday. Even if the Yankees can take game five and take the series back to Texas down 3-2, they still have to win game six. Even if they win game six, they will have to face Cliff Lee once again in game seven in Texas with the Rangers ace on the mound. It will be a very daunting task and the Yankees look like they are on their way out of the playoffs.
The Yanks already lost Mark Teixeira when he pulled his hamstring running out a ground ball. Whether they come back and win the series against the Rangers or not, the Yanks have not been scoring runs. New York has been completely shut down by the Rangers pitching stuff. With the exception of coming back from being down five runs in game one they have done nothing offensively since the five-run 8th inning.
You can never count the Yankees out of any series; they are just too good of a team. As a Red Sox fan, I cannot believe I just said that, but it's the truth. With a lineup that consists of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher and Jorge Posada, and CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Phil Hughes on the mound, this series is not over until it's over. As we learned--for good in 2004--anything can happen. At this moment, I can confidently say the way the Yankees have been shut down this series, I don' think they have a chance and they certainly are not the 2004 Boston Red Sox. I for one can simply say to the Texas Rangers, "Finish them off!"
The momentum looks to be on the side of the Rangers after going into Yankee Stadium and taking the first two games of a set of three games. The Rangers had won pretty handily on Monday when they won 8-0. Cliff Lee had a dominating performance and held the Yankees to only two hits and 13 strikeouts.
The Rangers look to make quick work and finish off the Yankees on Wednesday. Even if the Yankees can take game five and take the series back to Texas down 3-2, they still have to win game six. Even if they win game six, they will have to face Cliff Lee once again in game seven in Texas with the Rangers ace on the mound. It will be a very daunting task and the Yankees look like they are on their way out of the playoffs.
The Yanks already lost Mark Teixeira when he pulled his hamstring running out a ground ball. Whether they come back and win the series against the Rangers or not, the Yanks have not been scoring runs. New York has been completely shut down by the Rangers pitching stuff. With the exception of coming back from being down five runs in game one they have done nothing offensively since the five-run 8th inning.
You can never count the Yankees out of any series; they are just too good of a team. As a Red Sox fan, I cannot believe I just said that, but it's the truth. With a lineup that consists of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher and Jorge Posada, and CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Phil Hughes on the mound, this series is not over until it's over. As we learned--for good in 2004--anything can happen. At this moment, I can confidently say the way the Yankees have been shut down this series, I don' think they have a chance and they certainly are not the 2004 Boston Red Sox. I for one can simply say to the Texas Rangers, "Finish them off!"
We are all in for a Treat
With the Celtics regular season one week away, fans in New England are in for quite a treat five days before Halloween.
The star-studded Miami Heat with Lebron James, who left his Cleveland Cavaliers holding the bag to come play in South Beach, are coming to the neighborhood. Lebron James teamed up with All-Star Point Guard Dwayne Wade and All-Star power Forward Chris Bosh from the Toronto Raptors during the season past. Now, the duo look to begin their quest for an NBA championship starting with the defending Eastern Conference Champion Boston Celtics. The Miami Heat are heavily favored to win the NBA championship this year, but it's not going to happen if the Celtics can help it.
The Boston Celtics, on the other hand, have other plans. The team added big man and 18-year veteran Shaquille O'Neal, who is a 15-time All-Star and 4-time NBA champion. O'Neal came to Boston to join the Hall of Fame cast of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to bring home banner number 18 and bring O'Neal number 5 for the continuation of his legendary career. The Celtics also added Jermaine O'Neal and Delonte West. They already have Nate Robinson, Marquis Daniels and Glenn Davis on the bench to make up a solid team that will contend for a championship.
The Celtics are going into their third season since winning their franchise's 17th title in the 2007-2008 season. They're now hungrier than ever. Although the Miami Heat look solid and have a very scary trio of James, Wade and Bosh, the Celtics have experience with veterans who have won before and know what it takes to be a champion. This game is the start of one of the greatest seasons the NBA will ever have, and as far as I am concerned, is a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Miami heat may try to play some tricks,but there should be no tricks form the Celtics as long as they play Celtics basketball and play their game and play Celtics defense. We should all be in for a treat.
The star-studded Miami Heat with Lebron James, who left his Cleveland Cavaliers holding the bag to come play in South Beach, are coming to the neighborhood. Lebron James teamed up with All-Star Point Guard Dwayne Wade and All-Star power Forward Chris Bosh from the Toronto Raptors during the season past. Now, the duo look to begin their quest for an NBA championship starting with the defending Eastern Conference Champion Boston Celtics. The Miami Heat are heavily favored to win the NBA championship this year, but it's not going to happen if the Celtics can help it.
The Boston Celtics, on the other hand, have other plans. The team added big man and 18-year veteran Shaquille O'Neal, who is a 15-time All-Star and 4-time NBA champion. O'Neal came to Boston to join the Hall of Fame cast of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to bring home banner number 18 and bring O'Neal number 5 for the continuation of his legendary career. The Celtics also added Jermaine O'Neal and Delonte West. They already have Nate Robinson, Marquis Daniels and Glenn Davis on the bench to make up a solid team that will contend for a championship.
The Celtics are going into their third season since winning their franchise's 17th title in the 2007-2008 season. They're now hungrier than ever. Although the Miami Heat look solid and have a very scary trio of James, Wade and Bosh, the Celtics have experience with veterans who have won before and know what it takes to be a champion. This game is the start of one of the greatest seasons the NBA will ever have, and as far as I am concerned, is a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Miami heat may try to play some tricks,but there should be no tricks form the Celtics as long as they play Celtics basketball and play their game and play Celtics defense. We should all be in for a treat.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Kicking it old School
Yesterday afternoon was a pleasant afternoon for any New England Patriots' football fan, despite all the hoopla around the Randy Moss trade to the Minnesota Viking last week.
Even with Randy Moss on the team, the Pats were doubted for their weak defense. The loss of Moss only made those doubts grow stronger. Many were saying that the Patriots would not be as well off as they would be if Randy Moss was still on the team. Without Moss, they wouldn't be considered as as good of a team or one of the top elite teams in the league.
On Sunday afternoon, they seemed to have overcome any doubts of becoming less of a team by defeating the 4-1 powerhouse Baltimore Ravens 23-20 in an overtime thriller. The New England Patriots were led by Tom Brady and Randy Moss's replacement, Wide Receiver Deion Branch.
In an interview after the game, Branch had made a statement to make all Patriots fans feel much more comfortable: "Tom and I have been away for four years and I honestly don't feel we missed a beat," Branch told the Associated Press.
Branch led the Patriots with 9 receptions for 98 yards in his homecoming debut for his old team. Branch was MVP of the 2005 Super Bowl when he caught 11 passes for 133 yards. After 4 seasons away from the Patriots playing for the Seattle Seahawks, Branch made his presence known to everyone at Gillette stadium and all the fans watching at home.They had simply put some of the doubts that the Patriots would struggle without Moss to rest for the time being.
Tom Brady completed 27 of 44 passes for 292 yards and one touchdown. His touchdown was to no other than Deion Branch for a 5-yarder in the back corner of the end zone late in the fourth quarter. The touchdown put the Patriots in reach with a chance to tie a game where they trailed 20-10 going into the 4th Quarter. A Stephen Gostkowski 24-yard game tying field goal with 1:51 left in the fourth quarter sent the teams into overtime.
What was a defensive battle throughout the entire game leading toward the end of regulation play led all the way to the bitter end of an overtime period. After the Ravens won the coin toss, the Patriots defense held the Ravens and forced them to punt three times. The Ravens forced a Patriots' punt only twice.
On the last possession of overtime, Branch caught passes for 23 and 10 yards, setting up the winning field goal kick by Stephen Gostkowski. The New England Patriots defeated the heavily favored Ravens 23-20 and have Tom Brady, Deion Branch and the rest of the team and defense to thank for it. The Patriots improved to 4-1 on the season, trailing the New York Jets in the AFC East. The Jets are now 5-1 after defeating the Denver Broncos late yesterday on a late touchdown to make the final, 24-20.
The Patriots look to improve to 5-1 next Sunday when they face the 2-4 San Diego Chargers out in California at a 4:15 p.m. start next Sunday.
Even with Randy Moss on the team, the Pats were doubted for their weak defense. The loss of Moss only made those doubts grow stronger. Many were saying that the Patriots would not be as well off as they would be if Randy Moss was still on the team. Without Moss, they wouldn't be considered as as good of a team or one of the top elite teams in the league.
On Sunday afternoon, they seemed to have overcome any doubts of becoming less of a team by defeating the 4-1 powerhouse Baltimore Ravens 23-20 in an overtime thriller. The New England Patriots were led by Tom Brady and Randy Moss's replacement, Wide Receiver Deion Branch.
In an interview after the game, Branch had made a statement to make all Patriots fans feel much more comfortable: "Tom and I have been away for four years and I honestly don't feel we missed a beat," Branch told the Associated Press.
Branch led the Patriots with 9 receptions for 98 yards in his homecoming debut for his old team. Branch was MVP of the 2005 Super Bowl when he caught 11 passes for 133 yards. After 4 seasons away from the Patriots playing for the Seattle Seahawks, Branch made his presence known to everyone at Gillette stadium and all the fans watching at home.They had simply put some of the doubts that the Patriots would struggle without Moss to rest for the time being.
Tom Brady completed 27 of 44 passes for 292 yards and one touchdown. His touchdown was to no other than Deion Branch for a 5-yarder in the back corner of the end zone late in the fourth quarter. The touchdown put the Patriots in reach with a chance to tie a game where they trailed 20-10 going into the 4th Quarter. A Stephen Gostkowski 24-yard game tying field goal with 1:51 left in the fourth quarter sent the teams into overtime.
What was a defensive battle throughout the entire game leading toward the end of regulation play led all the way to the bitter end of an overtime period. After the Ravens won the coin toss, the Patriots defense held the Ravens and forced them to punt three times. The Ravens forced a Patriots' punt only twice.
On the last possession of overtime, Branch caught passes for 23 and 10 yards, setting up the winning field goal kick by Stephen Gostkowski. The New England Patriots defeated the heavily favored Ravens 23-20 and have Tom Brady, Deion Branch and the rest of the team and defense to thank for it. The Patriots improved to 4-1 on the season, trailing the New York Jets in the AFC East. The Jets are now 5-1 after defeating the Denver Broncos late yesterday on a late touchdown to make the final, 24-20.
The Patriots look to improve to 5-1 next Sunday when they face the 2-4 San Diego Chargers out in California at a 4:15 p.m. start next Sunday.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Please knock them off their Throwns
The Major League Baseball playoffs are in full swing this fall and include some very appealing match-ups.
The New York Yankees are defending World Series Champions. Last year the Yanks knocked off the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to win their 27th title. It was their first World Series title in their new stadium. Currently, the Yankees are in the ALCS against the Texas Rangers, led by pitching ace Cliff Lee. Also on their team, the Yanks have this year's front runner for American League MVP; namely, All-Star Center Fielder Josh Hamilton.
This year marks the first time in Texas Rangers history that the team made it past the first round of the playoffs. In that round, the Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2. The Yankees, on the other hand, took care of the Minnesota Twins 3-0 in a best of five series. This was the Yanks third consecutive victory over the Twins.
The Yankees have a powerful lineup that includes All Stars Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter with pitchers such as C.C. Sabathia and Phil Hughes. While the Rangers have a well-balanced and aggressive lineup with with Hamilton, Michael Young and Ian Kinsler, this series looks to be explosive to those who enjoy baseball. The two teams seem to be well matched. The Rangers are hoping to make their first World Series in franchise history, so they could make the extra push to win.
In the National League, the defending NLCS champion Philadelphia Phillies face a very difficult San Fransisco Giants team that has great pitching and a lineup that gives teams fits. The Phillies look for their second World Series title in the last three years. The team most recently took the title in 2008 when they defeated the Rays 4-1 in a best-of-seven series. The San Francisco Giants last appeared in the World Series back in 2002 when they were beat by the Los Angeles Anaheim Angels in seven games, 4-3. The Giants look to win their first World Series title since their last title in 1954, which is the third-longest drought in MLB history behind that of the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians. The former New York Giants look to win their first World Series as the San Francisco Giants.
All Star phenom Tim Lincecum, who went 16-10 in the regular season with 231 strikeouts and a 3.43 ERA, along with Jonathan Sanchez, who went 13-9 with 205 strikeouts and a 3.07 ERA, look to lead the way for the Giants. They'll face a very intimidating Phillies lineup, which includes Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Shane Victorino. The Phillies counter with CY Young candidate Pitcher Roy Halladay, who went 21-10 in the regular season with 219 strikeouts and a 2.44 ERA. Halladay was also in his first playoff appearance against the Cincinnati Reds, when he pitched a complete game no-hitter. The Phillies have their veteran Pitcher Roy Oswalt, who was added to the roster this past season from the Houston Astros. Oswalt went 13-13 with 193 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.76 in the regular season.
What looks to be a very interesting and exciting postseason, strictly by the pitching match-ups in both leagues, should be one for the ages. As a Red Sox fan, I would like to see the Yankees sent home early. As a true fan of baseball and someone who likes to see something new, I would like to see the Texas Rangers handle business and upset the favored Yankees in the ALCS, and I like the Giants' chances in the National League. Both the Rangers and the Giants have great pitching and play small ball. They play the games the way they should; namely, with speed, great pitching and defense. If theses two teams can upset the defending champions in both leagues, we should have ourselves a heck of a World Series here in 2010.
The New York Yankees are defending World Series Champions. Last year the Yanks knocked off the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to win their 27th title. It was their first World Series title in their new stadium. Currently, the Yankees are in the ALCS against the Texas Rangers, led by pitching ace Cliff Lee. Also on their team, the Yanks have this year's front runner for American League MVP; namely, All-Star Center Fielder Josh Hamilton.
This year marks the first time in Texas Rangers history that the team made it past the first round of the playoffs. In that round, the Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2. The Yankees, on the other hand, took care of the Minnesota Twins 3-0 in a best of five series. This was the Yanks third consecutive victory over the Twins.
The Yankees have a powerful lineup that includes All Stars Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter with pitchers such as C.C. Sabathia and Phil Hughes. While the Rangers have a well-balanced and aggressive lineup with with Hamilton, Michael Young and Ian Kinsler, this series looks to be explosive to those who enjoy baseball. The two teams seem to be well matched. The Rangers are hoping to make their first World Series in franchise history, so they could make the extra push to win.
In the National League, the defending NLCS champion Philadelphia Phillies face a very difficult San Fransisco Giants team that has great pitching and a lineup that gives teams fits. The Phillies look for their second World Series title in the last three years. The team most recently took the title in 2008 when they defeated the Rays 4-1 in a best-of-seven series. The San Francisco Giants last appeared in the World Series back in 2002 when they were beat by the Los Angeles Anaheim Angels in seven games, 4-3. The Giants look to win their first World Series title since their last title in 1954, which is the third-longest drought in MLB history behind that of the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians. The former New York Giants look to win their first World Series as the San Francisco Giants.
All Star phenom Tim Lincecum, who went 16-10 in the regular season with 231 strikeouts and a 3.43 ERA, along with Jonathan Sanchez, who went 13-9 with 205 strikeouts and a 3.07 ERA, look to lead the way for the Giants. They'll face a very intimidating Phillies lineup, which includes Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Shane Victorino. The Phillies counter with CY Young candidate Pitcher Roy Halladay, who went 21-10 in the regular season with 219 strikeouts and a 2.44 ERA. Halladay was also in his first playoff appearance against the Cincinnati Reds, when he pitched a complete game no-hitter. The Phillies have their veteran Pitcher Roy Oswalt, who was added to the roster this past season from the Houston Astros. Oswalt went 13-13 with 193 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.76 in the regular season.
What looks to be a very interesting and exciting postseason, strictly by the pitching match-ups in both leagues, should be one for the ages. As a Red Sox fan, I would like to see the Yankees sent home early. As a true fan of baseball and someone who likes to see something new, I would like to see the Texas Rangers handle business and upset the favored Yankees in the ALCS, and I like the Giants' chances in the National League. Both the Rangers and the Giants have great pitching and play small ball. They play the games the way they should; namely, with speed, great pitching and defense. If theses two teams can upset the defending champions in both leagues, we should have ourselves a heck of a World Series here in 2010.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)