We’re nearing the end of our boot camp with the Sports Journalism Institute. By now, we’ve learned about how we all got here; we’ve spoken to a multitude of accomplished journalists; we’ve all learned what it’s like to be out of our comfort zone; we’ve bonded as a family. On Wednesday, as usual, a group of us rode to the Missouri campus with Sandy Rosenbush and Leon Carter. We were all checking our phones to make sure everything was squared away for the morning sports check.
For the most part, it was a routine start to the day. But as we neared the classroom, Sandy and Leon reminded the four of us in the car of something the entire class should always keep in mind. What makes SJI special is the family environment it provides. Unlike most programs, SJI truly is a network of supportive professionals who truly learn to care for one another. From the first day we all got selected to this prestigious program, Sandy, Leon and Greg have told us that SJI is a family; that even when we all walk out of these doors and head to our summer internships, we’ll still be there for each other. By the end of this week, Sandy and Leon will have taught 24 classes. By the end of this week, SJI will start looking forward to its 25th anniversary. What we all need to keep in mind is that SJI is a lifelong family. No matter where we go, no matter whom we end up working for, SJI will always be there. We still don’t have any idea what this program will mean to our future success. But judging by all of our speakers and everyone we’ve met throughout this experience, there is no doubt that SJI is special. It might take years after this week before we start appreciating this experience. But for now, we should all keep in mind that somewhere down the road, some time after we’ve parted ways, we’ll all realize how truly special this week was for our personal growth. -- Hayden Kim
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