HOORAY TO NABJ

There are those times in life where you feel really proud to be a part of something.

Tonight was one of those nights for me.

This semester has been a rough one for me mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

Eighteen hours, The Johnsonian, Taking Opportunities to Prevail, NABJ, off-campus living, newsletter ministry at church, a work study job and trying to maintain a GPA above a 3.5 all weighed heavily on me these past few months. It hasn't been an easy journey. There have been nights of frustration; periods where I was ready to give up. Though I am hesitant to admit it, there are times where I've experienced a greater distance from God than I ever have before.

Yet, in the midst of this, God blessed me with moments of satisfaction, joy, accomplishment, revelation and pride.

November 17 was definitely in the proud accomplishment category.

NABJ helped me remember the reward that awaits at the end of a long road.

Tonight, NABJ held our second on-campus event, the Media Mixer.

Professionals ranging from the editor-in-chief of Creative Loafing, Carlton Hargro, to WSOC TV news reporter Ken Lemon, showed up to mix, mingle and hob-nob with Winthrop's mass communication undergrads.

A good time was had by all. There was free food. There was an open forum for discussion. There was an opportunity to exchange business cards, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, ideas and advice.

Tonight, NABJ did something above and beyond the call of duty, as Ken Lemon put it.

Not only that, we celebrated one year as a chartered minority-centric organization on Winthrop's predominantly white campus.

To add to our accolades, we're the only university chapter in the Charlotte-Metro area and in South Carolina.

In my opinion, we're doing pretty good.

Sure, there is room for improvement. Of course we have a lot to learn but I have to say that pride swelled up on the inside once the night was finished.

While washing fruit-plate dishes and lugging a crock-pot of meatballs, I could only think of how we made a name for ourselves--not only on Winthrop's campus but in the eyes of those who we consider to have "made it."

Networking has become an art for members of NABJ and we plan to continue to perfect it.

I'm proud to be a part of something so big. We may be few in number but in effort and spirit, we're mighty and numerous.

Seeing the hard work, sweat and even occasional worry pay off really makes a vice-president smile.

Beyond fatigued eyes and waning strength, a youthful vigor assaulted me on the inside. The vibe in the room was contagious.

We had a cake too.

Congratulations NABJ. You've made me proud, you've made Winthrop proud, but most importantly, you've grown from the first few blunders and missteps.

No, we're not unstoppable or flawless. Once again, there's room for improvement but after showing what we can do, there's also room for growth and added membership.

We're good NABJ. Let's keep it going.

Looking forward to Spring 2011.