As I carefully recited the Golden Eagle Sports Report script to my roommate Paige, she offered encouragement with an approving smile. It was my first appearance on Marquette University Television, and I wanted everything to be perfect. I picked out a perfect outfit, a pair of black and white checkered pants with a black blouse, and perfectly straightened my long blonde hair.
I was just a timid first-year student who had no idea what the next four years would hold. All I knew was that I wanted the perfect path to becoming a well-known sideline reporter.
During my first two years at Marquette, everything was falling into place. I was hired as a sports reporter and was quickly promoted to assistant sports producer. It was everything I ever wanted, well, so I thought.
Back in January of 2020, former MUTV General Manager Kennedy Coleman and Director of Student Media Mark Zoromski sat me down and asked me to apply to be the next MUTV GM.
My first response: absolutely not. Everything on my current path was so perfect. Why would I mess that up?
After some conversations with my parents and advisor, Dave Umhoefer, my perspective changed. In this new position, I knew I would be able to do what I love most: supporting, mentoring and pushing others to be the best they can be. Student media has given so much to me throughout my years at Marquette, and I wanted to inspire the next group of students through my leadership.
I took that leap of faith in applying for MUTV GM, and I’m so glad I did. You never know you need something until you have it, and that overwhelming feeling of fulfillment is unmatched. That’s exactly how I felt in this position. I went outside of my comfort zone, but now I was ready to come back to my sports path.
That was until Mark approached me again and asked me to apply for Executive Director of the Marquette Wire.
A sense of reluctance filled me because I would compare my path to others and question my own success. Since my college journey was affected by COVID-19, I never had a sports internship and I was not satisfied with my personal portfolio.
However, there was a calling for me to step into the role of Executive Director. I wanted to transform an entire organization.
Applying for Executive Director turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Each day is a new adventure, challenge and blessing. Every day, I walk into the newsroom with a bright smile on my face. I never know what will happen, but I know I have my Marquette Wire family by my side each step of the way.
As I’ve grown as a journalist and leader over the years, I’ve realized that no one’s path will look exactly like mine. Despite all the detours on my path, I’ve landed my dream job in sports. I’m not sure I would have achieved this if I didn’t take those risks. I wouldn’t be looking for apartments in Los Angeles if I didn’t shuffle into the newsroom four years ago.
To my Marquette Wire family, thank you for showing me the true meaning of excellence. I will cherish all our laughs, cries and matchmaking in the newsroom.
To my best friends, you have taught me what it means to “work hard, play hard.” Friends come and go, but I’m incredibly thankful to have a group of people who have my back through everything.
To Mark, I wouldn’t be where I am without you. Your positivity, critical thinking and passion inspires me to be the best version of myself.
To Tom Adel, no distance can separate our strong bond. I’m lucky to have your constant love and support.
And to my family, I cannot thank you enough for providing me with the foundation to achieve success. I’m grateful to have such a strong support system only 10 minutes away from campus.
The days until graduation are winding down, and I’ve finally realized something: there are multiple paths to get to any destination. If you’re set on achieving an end goal, you aren’t going to let anyone stand in your way.
This story was written by Aimee Galaszewski. She can be reached at [email protected]
