The Train Tracks of my Career

Emmy Award winning reporter Frank Sesno delivered SMU’s 8th annual Rosine Smith Sammons Lecture on Media Ethics in Caruth auditorium last night.

Usually, I’m not enthusiastic about taking time out of my night to attend a “required” lecture, but Sesno kept it interesting. His ability to inform and entertain a college crowd definitely stems from his background as a college professor.

One quote that stuck in my head throughout the night was:

“You have to be willing to lie down on the train tracks. Don’t be afraid to ask those tough questions. Be prepared to tick people off because that’s the only way to get the answers you’re looking for.”

I am a people pleaser. I find it hard to “ask those tough questions” because I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. Offending people causes awkward moments, and I will literally go through leaps-and-bounds not to experience an awkward moment.

I find it ironic that someone like me, with such a shy personality (in front of strangers) would chose a career that depended on interviews with people I don’t even know. I’m so shy that I don’t like calling up Chili’s to place a to-go order because it makes me anxious. Sad huh?

When I get my first hard news story, how will I possibly be able to ask a complete stranger, “So, did you kill her?” . . . awkward . . .

To be successful, I MUST get over my fear, and it was helpful to hear that message conveyed from someone like Sesno, a veteran reporter. He has been in the industry for more than 25 years, so I’m pretty sure he knows what he’s talking about.

The only part of the lecture that I did not enjoy was when he put me on the spot in front of the entire audience.

“Why was it so noisy when I worked in the newsroom?” was the question.

I froze. I probably turned all different shades of red, and I didn’t answer the question. I always like making good impressions, but sometimes that’s out of my control. . . like last night.

Now, I publicly apologize to SMU for not answering, “It was noisy in your newsroom because you used to write on typewriters.” . . .but my good friend Whitney handled the answer for me. Thanks Whit!

Obviously Sesno doesn’t have a problem with awkward moments, but then again, he’s also a professor. I’m sure students like me are a dime-a-dozen, and he finds it amusing to put them on the chopping block as well.

Last night I learned a valuable lesson about “putting myself on the train tracks.” I’ll take baby steps at first, but I will eventually be able to ask those difficult questions, and conduct those interviews with the hardballs.

Sesno is another example of who I want to be when I graduate. It’s scary to think that I’m already a junior in college, but I have faith in myself. In fact, I think I’m beginning to hear a train in the distance, and it’s up to me to stop it from running me over.