Allow me to ramble and get a little sappy.
I spent many years in my life doing jobs I thought I wanted to do, but they didn't make me happy. I am pretty good with people, and pretty good at bullshitting, so that opened up different sales and business opportunities. I always figured that someday I'd figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up. But the truth is I lacked focus and never dedicated myself to getting on track.
I love two things almost more than anything: sports and writing. Why no one slapped me on the back of my head and said, "be a sports writer, you dumbass." I don't know. Why I didn't figure it out and chase it on my own, I don't know. For some reason, back in the spring of 2022, Josh Henschke took a shot at me. He was looking for writers to help grab newsy items for his new website, Maize & Blue Review. We had interacted on Twitter, and after seeing some of my writing samples, he gave me a shot. I had always done my own blogs and stuff in my free time, but no one gave me a chance. But Josh did.
See, I think I'm pretty good at writing, graphics, analysis, and many other things that I love about sports, but I don't have the papers to prove it. Josh let me prove it and then allowed me to put my fingerprints all over this site. He gave me more and more chances to explore my talents and treated me like a partner. I got to design logos, host podcasts, and write about Michigan Football. But truthfully, I always thought this would be short-lived. I had to hold another full-time job, and the time would come when I would have to give this up and return to some office job that made me miserable.
But then another opportunity came—a chance to be the sports reporter for my local newspaper. The editor is a Michigan fan who knew my work from here, so he gave me a shot. I made it known that I needed to be allowed to keep working here with Josh, and he respected that. Josh respected my opportunity with the paper and supported my taking the job. So, I was officially nothing but a full-time sports reporter.
These jobs allow me to work from home most of the time. I take my son to school and pick him up daily. I've shared a little about his challenges with autism, and having that routine has been incredible for his growth and has changed our lives. I can't explain the steps he has taken and what they mean to my family and me. He is the most incredible boy and his dreams are being realized at an early age. The sky is the limit for him and a few years ago I never thought that would be the case. For that alone, I can't tell you how indebted I am for the rest of my life to Josh and my boss at the paper.
But tonight was an incredible pinch-me moment. Grand Haven, the team I cover, played for a district title against my alma mater, West Ottawa, at the Dutch Dome in my hometown of Holland, MI. The gym was filled with relationships from my time in high school to my adult years in Holland to the people I've met in my new role over the last few months. I bumped into one of my old teachers, someone who really knew me and understood me. I explained what I was doing there, and he smiled, "You're doing what you should be doing." It hit me hard. He was right. I'm turning 40 years old this year, and I'm finally doing what I want to do when I grow up.
This place changed my life. It has allowed me to be the best father I can be. I do not know if this will last, but tonight was a great night and forced me to reflect. I can't thank you all enough for your support of us and this site, which has allowed me to pursue these dreams and be there for my son.
Josh, you are my brother for life, and I love you like a brother. Thank you, truly.
West Ottawa won, 66-58.
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