I believe it was around November of 1999 when my next job kind of fell in my lap. I was approached and offered a job at the local newspaper, writing stories from time to time. At least it appeared to have fallen into my lap...I later learned that my mom had gone in and asked them they had any work to send my way, since I liked to write. 
If I had known this at the time, I am willing to bet teenage defiance would have led me to turn down the offer, but ignorance really can be bliss. I happily accepted the apprenticeship that would shape the course of my future years.
I had always enjoyed writing, but until this opportunity, I had never thought of trying to make a career out of it. 


(I say "trying" because I am still presently working on doing this)


This was a job I enjoyed off and on for the next five years or so. I picked up stories as often as I could for the rest of my senior year of high school, and tried to keep it up while I was going to college. With the help of some excellent mentors (cheers, Bob and Tom) I graduated with a decent GPA, a degree in journalism, and a paid internship under my belt.
It was this job that has taught me the most about myself.
I found out how much I love talking to people that are passionate about the things they do. It not only inspires me to want to better myself, it gives me hope of maybe one day, being able to find a job I love as much. 

(while still paying the bills)

I learned that, even though I procrastinate like crazy, I love sitting at the computer, watching a story take shape; then seeing it laid out in final print.

I learned that if you ask the right questions, nearly everyone has a great story. 

I eventually understood that I had already found something that I love to do.

Unfortunately, as the years passed, I also learned that making a career of writing human interest pieces and personal columns is a really tough path.

So in the meantime, I will write for coffee...or wine...