A Journalist's Passion

I saw fire in every pair of eyes that night - not just the reflection of the bonfire, but because they were all flared-up about the allegory each person has to offer...

We don't do bonfire very often in Malaysia - it is a Minnesotan culture. Well, I guess it is probably due to the innate desire of Minnesotan to "get outside" after surviving six- to seven- months of winter each year.

I consider it an honor to attend Professor Mike Vadnie's annual bonfire recently at his very own mansion. This annual tradition started in 1988 when Vadnie began as the advisor for the University Chronicle. Since then, the bonfire became a "must-do" gathering for all old and new Chronnies, as well as their friends and family. I had no idea what the "ritual" was all about when I first arrived there. The entire party, I would say, was more like a social night. I got to meet some outgoing editors who have been with the Chronicle for more than two years, as well as to take this chance for bonding with new editors for the next year.

Like all other parties we had food and beverages. Everyone seemed pretty comfortable hanging around Vadnie's place. The real ritual began when the 30-some people - all related to the paper in one way or another - sit outside around the fire while MJ, Vadnie's wife, kicked off the night. We go round giving everyone a chance to say something, especially for those who are going to leave after graduation.

I was particularly inspired by Tim Hennagir's sharing about us being in a circle, echoed by Vadnie about the passion each journalist should take pride in. Tim was Vadnie's first editor-in-chief when he first advised the paper. It was fascinating to listen how these fine men who had gone through the test of life and shared with us their career stories. Speaking about stories, I would quote Vadnie's saying that

every person we encounter our lives has a story, it is up to us to find it out.

As we struggle through the institution's reorganization as well as the recent budget situation, it is fair to say that we, journalists and editors alike, are not well-paid for the hours we put into the craft we do. In my case, as an opinions editor, I cannot foresee how tough it would be to tell my fellow writers that we never pay opinion articles. It comes right down to me that what keeps a columnist/writer going is the passion to write.

Though I am an advertising major, I have been writing for the Chronicle for the past two years. I didn't surprise me that Tim, who maned the paper back then, was a public relations major. This makes me feel proud to be one of these "mass comm kids" who don't mind crossing the borders, going above and beyond what is expected of us. But I'll never say it is going to be an easy task.

As I'm pretty motivated to edit the op-ed section next year, I'm inspired to put in my very best so to leave a legacy in this school. At least 10, 20, or 50 years down the road, when we alums come back to visit, we will be proud of the marks we left in the archives -- that will be kept as long as men can read.

Journalism should be fun, let's keep it that way.