Change is coming.
It’s what we heard from politicians in 2008. Regardless of whether their promises are actually kept in 2009, change is on the way. At least it is for me.
In December, I graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism. As a new member of the real world, I’ll admit I’m a little nervous about the changes that are coming. I’m currently jobless, and that’s a little scary. I’m the type of person who likes to have a plan. Right now I don’t have much of one. I don’t have much but a few incomplete thoughts about what to do until June, when my summer internship begins.
Maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe one of the changes I’ll see in 2009 is learning how to let go of a little bit of that control freak in me. In the meantime, as I wait to see how things shape up exactly, I’ve made a list of some changes I'd like to see.
Here's my Nine in '09:
1. Get a job. Even if, for now, it’s part time, I’m going to need to be making some money. I’m going to start paying for more things than I’m used to, and that’s going to require some cash. So, if you’re hiring, give me a call.
2. Start a volunteer job. I want to focus my energy and find something to be really, really passionate about. It's something I'm missing now.
3. Start working toward teacher certification. When I came to college, I made a choice to major in journalism. My second choice was education. I’d love to teach high school journalism and help students put together a newspaper or yearbook.
4. Buy a gym membership.
5. Go a step further, and use it. Being in shape again sure would feel nice.
6. Travel somewhere I’ve never been.
7. Be a good long-distance friend. I need to make some big changes in this area, since I'm not good at keeping in touch with old friends. It’s going to be important this year as the friends I’ve made in college travel down new and different paths.
8. Start reading some of the books I always said I wanted to read and never did.
9. Get a dog. This goes hand-in-hand with the pesky job situation, but I sure would love a furry friend to double as my personal therapist.
Although it might be tough to control all the changes that are headed my way in the coming year, I know I can start by making some of the smaller changes that I have control over. Who knows where I’ll be and what I’ll be doing at this time next year. I’m excited for what’s on the way, and I’ll let you know how it all turns out.
Kendra Lueckert is a former copy editor, designer, reporter and assistant news editor for the Missourian.