Chapter 1 #2
Over the years, I’ve learned to live with the grief, always having her with me in my heart. I’ve also decided I’ll always try to live my life to the fullest, making the most of every opportunity.
That’s also why I chose to pursue sports journalism: I knew it would be challenging at times, but I am determined to make my dreams come true and make my mom proud.
Losing your mom at fifteen also meant growing up and facing life’s challenges head-on.
I’ve become resilient and strong, and I don’t let people mess with the people I care about or me.
“Thanks, Dad. I think I’ll come home this weekend and visit the cemetery to tell her all about the exciting times in my life.”
My dad lives back in Tinley Park, where I grew up, about a forty-minute drive outside of Chicago.
“I’ll make our favourite meal,” Dad says, making my heart soften.
I’m lucky to have him in my life, and I cherish our relationship every day.
We spend some more time talking, making plans for the weekend, before hanging up.
When I return to my dorm, I make myself a cup of tea before opening my notebook to a blank page.
I pull up the team on my computer and decide to start listing their social media profiles.
The team has around 20 players, so there’s quite a list to go through.
I start with the first players I’ll meet next week.
Luckily, Henry told me he would help me set up meetings with the players since he knows their schedules.
Starting Tuesday, I will meet with the first three players to discuss their social media strategy preferences.
Part of my job involves thorough research, so I have a general sense of most players.
However, I also know that reading about the players in the media and online can be very misleading.
Therefore, it’s crucial to be well prepared while remaining open to the possibility that they may differ from the images portrayed of them.
I begin with Noah Hughes, noting essential information about each player and jotting down suggestions.
Name: Noah Hughes.
Age: 27
Position: Right defence.
Social media presence: Twitter, Instagram
The media loves Noah Hughes, especially for the gossip he supplies about women. He’s often seen with a different woman on his arm and clearly lives up to the Playboy image.
I don’t usually read the gossip columns about the players, but even I know that he’s frequently photographed with a new woman every other night.
On the ice, he’s a key player, part of the first line, making him one of the top players on the team.
Despite his reputation as a ladies’ man, the only pictures on his Instagram are of hockey.
I jot down some ideas and suggestions before moving on to the next player.
Name: Caleb Murray.
Age: 24
Position: Center.
Social media presence: None
Caleb is one of the newer players on the team, and little has been written online about his personal life.
When I search for social media accounts, I don’t find anything.
That makes me think he’s either very private or extremely focused on his hockey career, and that he spends little time on social media.
As high-performing athletes surrounded by cameras, fans calling their names, and all the attention they get, I understand some may prefer to stay away from social media.
That’s why personal assistants and social media strategists can be invaluable to players.
I finish my notes on two more players before calling it a day.
The meetings will be spread out over several weeks, so I have some time.
I make dinner in my dorm kitchen and try calling my best friend Jessica.
We grew up together, and as we got older, we both developed a passion for sports journalism, which led us to the same college degree.
During our studies, we have mostly stayed in our own bubble, focused on our goals and where we want to end up in journalism.
She’s out living her dream in the world of Formula 1.
When she answers, her smile lights up the screen as I prop the phone against the kitchen tiles.
“Hey, girl. How is the F1 life treating you?”
I start chopping some vegetables while Jessica tells me about the media team she’s working with.
My dream was to cover the NHL, whilst she had her eyes set on F1 and Star News.
“It’s a small team, and I learn something new every day. I’m well on my way to take over the paddock,” she jokes, and after she finishes, I tell her about my meeting with Henry and the upcoming first official day on Monday.
We often joke about taking over the media world, wearing high heels, and delivering sharp analysis. Even though our meetings will be less frequent in the coming months, I’m grateful to experience this with my best friend.
“Excited to meet with the players? Aren’t they all over 6 feet tall?” she smirks, knowing well that I have a soft spot for athletes.
One thing is their good looks and athleticism; as for me, I have my weaknesses.
But what really excites me is their drive and passion for their sport.
Watching someone push themselves to achieve greater goals is inspiring.
I grew up dancing, pouring my heart and soul into the sport. When college started, I had to make a choice, and even though part of me misses the regular classes, the friendships you build, and the endless hours of practice, I also felt ready to move on from the competitive side of dance.
Now, I prefer to book a class when I feel the urge to move again.
“Don’t start with me, Miss Golden boy of F1,” I tease her back, knowing she’s got her own crush on the most talked about man in F1 right now.
She sighs on the other end of the phone.
“Yeah, I guess I’m no one to say anything.”
I chuckle, happy to see her break out of her own little shell, day by day, with the help of Luke Hastings.
My best friend also has a weak spot for athletes.
We spend a little more time catching up before it’s time for Jessica to go to bed—time differences and all.
I lay back in bed, looking up at the ceiling, feeling excited for this journey to begin for real.