The Ceiling

A ceiling usually imposes a limit. It sets a standard for homes, offices and even sports arenas. But, there really is no ceiling.

I may have goals, but they do not limit what I can further accomplish.

In two weeks, I will begin a 10-week journey in Phoenix reporting on post 9/11 veterans using a myriad of mediums and sources. Then, I will return to South Florida and work some more.

Reflecting on LeBron James' fourth MVP award in five seasons, Dwyane Wade said James wants to maximize what God gave him. And the same is true for me.

I will not "settle" for an entry-level reporter position at a newspaper, be it high-profile or local. I would be thankful, yes, but I will strive for a top editor position and then some.

Ceilings are deceptive. They limit creativity and belief. Everything from "Where is the money in journalism?" to "Is your job stable?"

I will answer those questions. Count on it. I do not have a ceiling.

Simply Amazing

Whether its cooking with Top Chefs or getting a 15A print contribution in The New York Times (that happened today), my success so far this year has been unprecedented.

I have reported on breaking news, cruises and even college basketball. It is truly a blessing to have my hard work recognized by top people in the journalism industry. And this is only the beginning.

Just a couple months ago, I worried about landing a summer internship and having no freelance gigs to complement my workload. Then, everything fell into place and I could not be happier. 

I feel like I can conquer any journalism task, be it video, print or radio. The tides continue to turn as I grow within journalism. 

Next month, I will head to Phoenix for 10 weeks to wrap up an in-depth reporting project I have been working on since January.

Then, I have other plans; I just do not know it yet. Waking up everyday to something new is simply amazing, and I will be there to report on it all. 

March Gladness

I did it.

I landed a byline in The New York Times this week. Two actually.

This year, I have taken a new approach to journalism. I report on literally everything - local, national or international. If news breaks, I am hooked. I will call public relations numbers, retweet reporters and email sources.

But, no one assigns me to anything; I just pitch, pitch and pitch some more.

And it paid off big time.

However, it is only the tip of the iceberg. I continue to pitch stories, perhaps more than I can handle, but I thoroughly enjoy contributing to the news process; it does not matter if it is a print contribution or a lead byline.

It may sound like a broken record, but I want a full-time job, with benefits, once I graduate next year. That means doing the intangibles, which may not show up in the "box score," but will add to my journalism skill-set.

Taking a deep breath and smiling occasionally does not hurt either. Florida Gulf Coast University's Sweet 16 run netted me the two NY Times bylines - March Gladness indeed.

Little Wonders

It is crunch time. The home stretch. Time to put my best foot forward.

2013 has been filled with a multitude of journalism success, from A-level celebrity interviews to detailed news stories. But it needs to continue - and at a much higher level.

Until May 20, I will be conducting interviews and overseeing the News21 education team's coverage of student veterans. That means traveling, balancing work, school and the like. Then I will spend the summer in Phoenix doing it all again, at a much faster pace.

It is a great challenge that has continued to test me journalistically, and I am thankful for it. Heck, I almost landed a print contribution in The New York Times by compiling a list of reactions to Hugo Chavez's death last week.

No one told me to do that, but I did it anyway. Those little things, or little wonders, rather, will be the difference between a paid internship and a full-time job next year.

The Best or Nothing

First, a little context.

When I say 'the best or nothing,' I mean working my absolute hardest to achieve success, be it in my career or a future relationship.

But, let me make it a little more clear: I will be the best boyfriend, husband, father and journalist I can be to one lucky lady, period. Three of the four items I listed has not happened yet, but it will, sooner rather than later.

I have always used the motto to describe my journalism workload, but it will expand to the other areas of my life. How can I make myself better in the process?

Motto aside, I have started the year stronger than I ever thought possible. My News21 fellowship does not start in Phoenix (aside from the weekly seminar I am already doing) until the end of May, but I am already showered with commitments between school, freelance gigs and internships.

However, as I said earlier, I will continue to be "the best (I can be) or nothing." It is all about giving 100 percent, not 99, or 101.

Best Week Ever: Part Deux

What do you a call a week in which everything goes right? A best week ever is what.

The week of Jan. 28 is one for the record books.

It started Monday when I covered the Miami Heat's visit to The White House. I say it simply, but it was a remarkable experience. Before the Heat's visit to the East Room, I sat in on a press conference with White House Press Secretary Jay Carney amid throngs of national media.

Fast forward to Thursday. One of my editors texted me about an opportunity to exclusively interview Jason Derulo (video coming next week) at Turner Tech high school in Miami; the sit-down lasted about 10 minutes, as the room fixated on the questions I asked.

And it gets better.

Friday marked a double dose of journalism coverage. I had a 15-minute one-on-three interview with Nicholas Sparks, Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel concerning their new movie "Safe Haven." Two weeks earlier, I had picked up a Sparks novel, The Wedding, on a whim. During the interview, I thought "this is incredible," but that was the least of my responsibilities. 

I rode out the week aboard the Norwegian Sky on Sixthman's Mountain Song at Sea, a floating bluegrass music festival. I covered the cruise for CruiseCritic.com, a huge blessing in and of itself.

Oh, and ESPNU also offered to use my White House video for their late night show. AND I was offered a summer internship at a newspaper in Kentucky (even though I had to decline, it was a welcome experience, as I am usually on the application end of media gigs.)

One whirlwind of a week indeed. Just wait until the coverage is published! (Well, you'll see it on my social media outlets.)

Overjoyed

This is exciting.

The next eight months (and potentially more) will consist of hard, in-depth journalism. It starts with News21, but expands into other commitments at CruiseCritic, USA Today College and even a potential trip to cover the presidential inauguration in Washington D.C. later this month.

Success has been more than tenfold and everyday is another chance to improve my journalism skills and/or prepare myself for a greater joy.

That means salsa lessons, talking to younger students and continuing to learn Spanish. When I meet my significant other, I want to be ready - and it is never too early to prepare myself.

The combination of journalism success, a significant other and God (two out of three is pretty good so far!) will pave the way for lifelong excitement.

"I cannot overstate it, I will be overjoyed."