Thank you, jan la ville
Dear Editor:
Almost exactly 15 years ago, I was hard at work, setting copy for the next issue of the campus newspaper (back then it was called “Bear Facts”) when Jan LaVille sat down next to me.
“We’re short a couple of reporters this semester,” she started (who hasn’t heard that one) before making an offer that would change my life forever. “I was wondering if you would be willing to write a few stories for us this semester.”
I was planning to major in computer network administration, and had zero interest in becoming a journalist. When I went to her office at the start of the semester looking for a work-study job in January of 1998, the only thing I knew was setting copy was better than scrubbing toilets on the janitorial staff.
Six months later, I was editor of “Bear Facts.” One year later, I was looking for my first paying job in the newspaper business. Today, I’m a group editor for a family of newspapers that includes a five-day evening paper.
I’ve interviewed presidential candidates, professional athletes, movie stars and pop icons. I’ve been on the sideline for NFL football games and on the scene of major disasters, snapping photos and recording video.
I’ve been blessed with a lot of success in this profession, as well. Last month, I received the 101st award presented to newsrooms under my leadership by the Iowa Newspaper Association.
But just about the moment I think I’ve done it all in this business, I get to have an entirely new experience that completely blows my mind away. No two days are ever the same in this new line of work I selected. I wake up in the morning wondering what each new day will hold.
And it’s all Jan LaVille’s fault.
I may have become wealthier had I followed my original career path, but I doubt my life would have been half as fulfilling. And I know I’m not alone in that regard.
So, on behalf of all of us who got “sucked in” to this profession — this way of life called journalism — thank you, Jan LaVille, from the bottom of my heart.
Bob Eschliman, Editor
Newton Daily News
Jasper County Tribune
Almost exactly 15 years ago, I was hard at work, setting copy for the next issue of the campus newspaper (back then it was called “Bear Facts”) when Jan LaVille sat down next to me.
“We’re short a couple of reporters this semester,” she started (who hasn’t heard that one) before making an offer that would change my life forever. “I was wondering if you would be willing to write a few stories for us this semester.”
I was planning to major in computer network administration, and had zero interest in becoming a journalist. When I went to her office at the start of the semester looking for a work-study job in January of 1998, the only thing I knew was setting copy was better than scrubbing toilets on the janitorial staff.
Six months later, I was editor of “Bear Facts.” One year later, I was looking for my first paying job in the newspaper business. Today, I’m a group editor for a family of newspapers that includes a five-day evening paper.
I’ve interviewed presidential candidates, professional athletes, movie stars and pop icons. I’ve been on the sideline for NFL football games and on the scene of major disasters, snapping photos and recording video.
I’ve been blessed with a lot of success in this profession, as well. Last month, I received the 101st award presented to newsrooms under my leadership by the Iowa Newspaper Association.
But just about the moment I think I’ve done it all in this business, I get to have an entirely new experience that completely blows my mind away. No two days are ever the same in this new line of work I selected. I wake up in the morning wondering what each new day will hold.
And it’s all Jan LaVille’s fault.
I may have become wealthier had I followed my original career path, but I doubt my life would have been half as fulfilling. And I know I’m not alone in that regard.
So, on behalf of all of us who got “sucked in” to this profession — this way of life called journalism — thank you, Jan LaVille, from the bottom of my heart.
Bob Eschliman, Editor
Newton Daily News
Jasper County Tribune