STORM2K

I had an interesting breakthrough @ work tonight. As much as I like Wal Mart, and I as much as I think I eventually wanna become a store manager.

My itch to get back into journalism has come back! My dream in HS was I eventually wanted to write for either 1 of my favorite newspapers in Florida. The Tampa Tribune or the St. Petersburg Times

The 1 thing that kept me from wanting to go into journalism has suddenly actually become a motivator. The not wanting to cover heart breaking stories such as Laci Peterson or Carlie Brucia. I have a new attitude.. If I am the 1st reporter on scene.. the heart breaking families that talk would possibly be thinking "John, get the story out so that maybe the police can help catch this creep and so he won't hurt another girl/person".

I also if I can get into sports.. I'd love to be a writer/analyst for the Lightning or the Bucs.

So.. If you're wondering.. Here's how I plan on doing this. By Jan. 1st 2007, I wanna be moved to Tampa. I wanna get an apartment in 1 of the suburbs such as Wesley Chapel, Temple Terrace, or whatever.

I will find an apartment, apply for admission to University of South Fla, and by the way.. I will remain at Wal Mart while I attend USF, that way I can obviously support myself at my place.

I have already said I will keep telling myself to do this.. because if I don't.. I think it'll slip my mind.

It is interesting.. the thing that brought this on.. I found out 2 more of my favorites at my Wal Mart, are departing soon. I decided.. everyone else is leaving.. I wanna leave too.. I'm tired of watching everybody go.. I'm tired of getting attached to people that I should just know will eventually leave anyway..

I hope most of you are with me.. But opinions are welcomed. The few I've talked to at work have told me.. "we'll really miss you.. but if ya really wanna do this.. GO FOR IT.. because it might be the last time God calls you to do this since you haven't answered yet"

{If signatures were enabled, I'd put "Future Tribune or Times staff writer" on it lol}

Wow, sounds like a wonderful goal. Go for it.....

Thank you

Things to think about. Can you/should you attend a local community college to get the basic courses out of the way first? would tha tbe cheaper and allow you to save some money? Do you have transportation available from where you would live to both a new job and the University? Would your living costs increase with a move inot a "larger" environment?

Above all, if that is really your goal(and I know it was previously)then go for it!!

Go for it, John!

Just 2 let ya guys know.. I spent time at a community college already. I hated it lol.. It was like an extension of grade 12..

and btw.. The Times and Tribune both have offices in the middle of downtown Tampa, the Wal Mart's are in the city's suburbs or whatever..

Plus... I want to move to Tampa anyway. I like it there and I'm tired of this area here lol..

So even if I can't get into USF right away.. I'll work at a Tampa Wal Mart and get familiar with my surroundings

I'm gonna be in Tampa for 1 1/2 days in August. I'm gonna make sure I find an apartment book while I'm there..

I have an update now..

I wanted to let ya'll know.. that I signed up to take the Sat's in October. I never took the test when I was in HS believe it or not.

I have also already begun researching apartments in and around the Tampa Bay area, I found out I would be a "mass communication" major at USF, figured out where all the wal mart's in Tampa are,

and have decided.. if I don't get into USF for some reason.. I wanna move to Tampa anyway.. I need a scenery change.

I wish you the VERY best, John, in these pursuits!!

Can I do it? Yes I CAN! lol..

Tampa is the state of Florida's largest media market. Bigger than Miami, Orlando or Jacksonville.

Maybe by early next year.. I'll be at USF and that's no Bull lol.. {USF=Bulls} Get it.. No Bull lol sorry..

I also just did some research.. and if i can't get into USF.. the University of Tampa which is much smaller but in the middle of downtown Tampa, has a communications program which could also help me get my journalism major..

I'm excited about this lol..

First three things to be doing: Writing, writing, writing. Use a notepad and watch an event on television. Later, use your notes and actually write a story on the event as though it were your job to do so. Have family or friends read your article and offer honest opinions. Also, take full advantage of the free resources to be found online. Myself, I have found dozens of sites with excellent tips on improving your writing skills. I have also assembled a small collection of books on writing, grammar, etc just by checking the shelves at thrift stores, Goodwill stores and also at yard sales. I'd say that I have over a hundred dollars worth of books that I actually only paid less than ten dollars for. You can also consider taking further advantage of the internet and have your own website. The internet has flung wide open the doors to "the world" for writers and artists. If you hone your skills, you might look at offering a subscription to your columns. Or, if your site develops a respectable number of hits per month, you might be able to attract a corporate sponsor or two. Finally, if this is a passion, then you can succeed at it. I have tried my hand at things I didn't really "love", and it showed. Also, it never SATISFIED. Best Wishes!

The larger bookstores have great study guides for the SATs too.

Thanks guys..

BTW: http://www.freewebs.com/jhnyrocket

check it out

Another update of sorts..

I was just looking at apartments in the Tampa Bay area.. and found a few nice ones I might like.. so I sent e mails telling them I may be interested in moving there, but probably not till around November at the earliest..

I've actually found a couple nice not so expensive ones near USF too..

I know a good site that you can express your writing skills on. Better Karma.com. I wrote an essay on there and it is now on their site. You are entered in their writing contest when you write on there. You can win $50 for first place. It is not much money, but for me, it is not about the money at all. I wrote an essay for a contest they were having at Wal-mart and did not think I stood a chance. I ended up winning 2nd place. The prize was dinner for 2 at the most expensive restarant in town. It was not about the prize though. It was a feeling of accomplishment.

TY Cajun.. Maybe i'LL go check it out..