I am apart of the media, I am a journalist, I am the press. When I say this I am not talking about a facebook post I made, I have a blog, or even that I wrote some piece on Odyssey that is considered newsworthy. No, when I say that I am a part of the media and that I am a journalist I am referring to my published work, I reference the occasions I have set in the press box during games and typed away word after word while the game is underway. In a day and age where so many people refer to themselves as some sort of journalist, I am fortunate enough to have experiences that remind me why I love what I do, that continue to fill me with passion about my future career.
Perhaps the biggest step forward in my future career in the journalism and media field occurred on September 15th or as many others know it, Thursday night football. In a primetime matchup between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, I was in attendance as the Buffalo Bills beat reporter for Pro Player Insider. This meant not only just sitting and watching the game but working alongside other members of the press in the press box. Seemingly intoxicated by everything around me, the people, the process, and of course the endless food does not hurt. It was in this moment that it hit me, that this is what I wanted to do, this I could be passionate about and truly find a home here.
As someone who has always had a general interest in the media and journalism field I have taken on many various positions, nothing ever just felt right, nothing ever truly made me passionate. Walking into the stadium and into the press box, it almost didn't seem real, that people really do for a living get to watch games, eat food, and then simply write about it. Through my time in the press box that evening I wrote three articles, typed about 2,000 words, ate eight wings, two burgers, and encountered many unique people from all over the industry. If that was not enough being able to step foot onto the football field, attend press conferences, and even interact with players and coaches in the locker room.
It is so often that you hear people moan and complain about their job, that they wish they could be paid to do this or paid to do that. For example, I can recall numerous occasions thinking, I wish someone would pay me to eat food and watch sports. It is funny how things work out because it appears I am on that path already. Sometimes things are all that they are cracked up to be. My name is Samuel Berger, I am simply a fan, with just the best seat in the house.
