This month marks 20 years of my formal professional writing career. I credit my start (and first paid assignment) to Tim Johnson, then editor at Today’s Catholic. I was a novice journalist, but he trusted me with a meaningful assignment. What followed was a stint at the award-winning Flyer News on the entertainment desk and then many more real-world experiences that brought me to where I am today.

In the spirit of reflection, here’s a meditation on the last two decades and some nuggets of wisdom (with some snark thrown in for good measure):

1. People are fascinating. My conversations have spanned the gamut of topics. For example, I’ve interviewed the likes of Midwest farmers and Efren Ramirez, the actor who played "Pedro" on Napoleon Dynamite. (See photographic proof.)
2. Writing is a creative practice, and you need to be intentional to maintain your craft. You don’t have to stay in one lane either. Journalists can be poets. Authors can write song lyrics. You get the idea.
3. I didn’t know what I didn’t know then. A lot of my early work lacked transitions. *cringe*
4. Mistakes happen. Learn from them.
5. Read. Read. Read. It doesn’t have to be high-brow. Just commit to a reading habit, and you’ll be more inspired.
6. The industry has changed in so many ways I couldn’t predict. When I graduated (with a degree in journalism), I was more of a specialist. Now, it seems you have to be a Jack or Jill of all Trades to stay relevant. And, of course, AI is an existential threat.
7. Mentors matter. I wouldn’t be here without them. (Thank you, Dr. Larry Lain!)
8. Internships are important, too.
9. Never stop learning. 
10. Stay hungry and humble.
11. Writing, research and critical thinking skills — the hallmarks of a good journalist — are transferable. Don’t let anyone box you in.
12. Ask for what you’re worth. Ask me how I learned this lesson.
13. Caffeine can be a necessary vice on deadline—the same for booze. 
14. It’s good to accept projects that stretch you a bit.
15. Learn other skills to make you more marketable.
16. Join communities of other writers, whether in person or virtually. No one should operate in a vacuum.
17. Some days will feel like a grind. This work isn’t glamorous, but it can be rewarding.
18. Be careful who you take advice from. 
19. Creative inspiration can show up where and when you least expect it.
20. Have a little fun while you’re at it.