If I knew then what I know now

It’s possible I’m too honest with my students.

Before I handed back graded assignments tonight, I addressed a common error throughout. But even as I explained why it’s so important to keep an eye out for this issue, I offered a confession: “I suspect some of this is a result of end-of-the-semester busyness or laziness. I get that. I would do the same.”

The truth is, I was a mediocre college student. My grades weren’t bad–I was an A/B student and would have lost my scholarship if my GPA dropped too low. But I wasn’t particularly concerned about my grades, I skipped as many classes as possible without academic retribution and I often thought I knew more than my professors. (Oh, the ego.)

So I can understand where my students are coming from when they get a little lax with AP style. But if I had it to do over again, I’d try to be more like the kids I teach:

I’d show up to every class and ask tons of questions.

I’d stick around after class to show the teacher my resume and ask how I could improve it.

I’d ask professors with experience in my field about how they built their careers.

I’d figure out whose career path looked most like what I wanted, and I’d study his or her work.

I’d use my class assignments as opportunities to further those end goals.

I figured a lot of that out by the time I entered grad school (and the fact that I was bankrolling that degree didn’t hurt). But the kids I work with are several years younger, and they consistently impress me. They’ve got their strengths and weaknesses, sure, and not everyone is taking each of these steps. (Then again, not everyone wants to follow my career path.) My goal as a teacher is not only to impart knowledge according to the class syllabus, but also to encourage my students to get as much as they can out of their college careers.

But if I had it to do again, there’s at least one thing I surely wouldn’t change: I’d still prioritize life experience over grades. After all, no one cares now about my GPA.*

 

*If you’re wondering, I finished my bachelor’s with something like a 3.4, and my master’s with a 3.6. But if I, the girl who can still rattle off her SAT and ACT scores and takes pride in her GRE logic score, am not confident in those numbers, it probably says something about how much your GPA matters down the road.

I am only a caged bird singing

My final assignment as a journalism grad student was to write a series of articles of some length on some topic. At the time, that was an overwhelming charge: What can I write about? Anything? Really, anything? How many stories should I write? How long should they run? I had lots of questions. But in retrospect, I understand why the guidelines for the master’s project were so open ended. Those are the types of questions I answer every day. Reporting and the publication itself determine the answers. I just start with the topic.

My master’s project was a series of three articles about independent musicians. I was fascinated by these people who built careers apart from the music industry marketing machines, and some of my sources had experience both on major labels and off.

Six years after I walked across the stage at Coleman Coliseum, I’m still able to explore music and its industry changes, sometimes through reviewing new albums (self-released, indie releases, major label releases–there’s a lot of great stuff coming from all directions), sometimes through interviewing national and local musicians. On Friday, a couple of Birmingham musicians promoted their evening gig with surprise lunchtime performances at local restaurants. I was there with video camera in hand, and it was such an adrenaline rush to see music performed in an unexpected context. That master’s project was more than a semester-long assignment necessary for my degree; it was the first step toward writing about an art form and business that continues to move me every day.

Gum Creek Killers make two surprise appearances at Birmingham eateries, Birmingham Box Set

(The subject line comes from “The Glass Ceiling” by another Birmingham-based musician, Jon Black.)

Who am I kidding but me?

It’s been a long couple of months–good, but over-filled with activities and obligations. So as the weekend approached, my calendar remained empty. I told people that I hadn’t tried to get football tickets, and that if they were to fall into my lap I would think about going to the game.

Then they did. And very quickly, I said yes.

Who am I kidding? I can’t turn down Alabama football. Last weekend was the first time that Alabama had taken the field as a No. 1 team in my life. (Yes, we won a national championship in 1992, but we weren’t ranked No. 1 until we beat Miami.) We’ve lost to Mississippi State for the past two years. And though Auburn already ensured that State won’t claim the Alabama State Championship this year, I want to see us destroy them. (We better destroy them.) We could be–should be–on our way to a 12-0 regular season. I was there as we opened the season, I was there for the too-close Kentucky game, I hope to be there for the history-making Iron Bowl. But I better take every game I can get (especially as I remain camped out on the Tide Pride waiting list!). 

After talking to the friend who came into tickets Thursday night, the official plan was to take it easy (our entire group is socially exhausted) and leave Birmingham at 5 p.m. for today’s 6:45 game. But even as I hung up, I suspected I was again lying to myself. And so this morning I found myself back in the kitchen, quickly preparing my favorite beer-cheese spread for this afternoon’s tailgate. 

It’s been a while since I’ve added a recipe to my go-to list, and this one definitely merits a place. It’s incredibly easy and always a hit, especially with the boys. The ingredients are things that I typically have in the kitchen, save for perhaps a large quantity of cheese (easily remedied). Don’t have an amber beer handy? Sub in another, so long as it’s a good one! (Today I used Yazoo Dos Perros.) And it’s perfect for a cold autumn day spent on the quad.

Now, get me to Tuscaloosa!

Beer-cheese spread

Prep: 15 min., Chill: 2 hr. This recipe makes a lot, but it can be frozen for up to a month. It fits perfectly into 4 (10-oz.) ramekins. Try it over French fries, hot dogs, and chili too.

This recipe goes with Grilled Beer-Cheese Sandwich

Yield

Makes 5 cups

Ingredients

  • 1  (2-lb.) block sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1  small onion, minced
  • 2  garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2  teaspoon  hot sauce
  • 1/4  teaspoon  ground red pepper
  • 1  (12-oz.) bottle amber beer, at room temperature
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Garnish: thyme sprig

Preparation

 

1. Beat together first 5 ingredients at low speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until blended. Gradually add beer, beating until blended after each addition. Beat at medium-high speed 1 minute or until blended and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill 2 hours. Garnish, if desired. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Abita Amber Beer. This spread can be frozen up to 1 month; thaw overnight in refrigerator.

Grilled Beer-Cheese Sandwich: Spread 1 tsp. softened butter evenly on 1 side of 2 bread slices. Place bread slices, buttered sides down, on wax paper. Spread 1/4 cup Beer-Cheese Spread onto 1 side of 1 bread slice. Top with remaining bread slice, buttered side up. Cook sandwich in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cheese is melted.

 

 

Therese Halaska, Portage, Wisconsin, Southern Living, OCTOBER 2007
I typically serve it with crackers or apples.

A heart divided

Some of the best things come at the end of September.

Two years ago, that was my favorite football team triumphing over my next-to-least favorite team. I was in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Oct. 1, 2005, when Alabama defeated Florida, 31-3. I joined in proudly as members of the student section began the tomahawk chop. A girl nearby asked, “Why are we doing this? We’re not Seminoles!” A friend of mine replied (with pride), “Some of us are.”

Florida is the foe of my other favorite team, Florida State. In four years of picking college football games, I always pick according to loyalty. I think it’s morally wrong to derive some benefit from your team’s loss. That’s why in four years of competing in my college football pick ’em, I have yet to pick against either Alabama or Florida State. Until this week, that philosophy has served me well.

Today, that all changes.

My two alma maters meet tonight for their first contest in 33 years–and they’re doing it in my hometown. When the game was announced two years ago, my first thought was that I HAD to find tickets. My second was that I had to choose sides.

It’s a lose/lose or win/win situation, depending on your outlook. I could easily cheer for my undergrad team. Some people think that’s the only way to go! That was the school where I grew up, where I met some of my very closest friends, where I once danced on the 50 yard line. On my first visit to Florida State, back in 1993, I was impressed by the campus bowling alley and the fact that I could buy a Seminole keychain with my name on it. When I enrolled six years later, the campus captured my heart.

But my heart wasn’t free for the taking. I had promised it to Alabama football before I even knew what a first down was. I grew up wearing crimson. After Florida-Alabama games, we would run to the front yard and yell “Roooooooooooooooll tide! Roll!” in our loudest voices, taunting our neighbors with their Gator flag. When my dad began explaining the concept of first and 10, I was hooked. I remember watching a game while my sisters were supposed to be upstairs cleaning. “Why doesn’t she have to help?” they whined. “Because she’s watching football with me.”

On one level, my heart breaks at having to choose one team over another. But in truth, I’ve had my No. 1 team all along. You can’t turn your back on your roots, on your family, on a way of life you’ve known longer than memory serves. Which is why tonight, I’ll stand proudly in my crimson and white, screaming loudly for the Tide.

“There are two major theories of fandom, as far as I can tell: the Childhood Theory and the Undergrad Theory. Some people would argue that you lock yourself into a team for life when you decide to go to school there, no matter who you liked before.

“But these people also wouldn’t understand why a child who was not quite 8 could learn the meaning of despondence by watching an undefeated football team lose to its rival, or why, even decades later, you would still get a chill up your spine every time you see Jay Barker lead a comeback against Georgia, or why watching George Teague strip the ball from a Miami wide receiver still ranks among the Top 5 best moments in life.

“The Undergrad Theorists surely are good people, and no doubt they mean well. But they don’t understand football, because they don’t understand Alabama football.“Roll Damn Tide.”

–My friend Chris, in an e-mail to me, after I sent him my picks for the week

Friday round-up

The article of the day:
Crimson Tide or garnet ‘Noles? Former FSU and UA student will face true test of loyalty Saturday (Crimson White)

Players, coaches linked to Bowden (Crimson White)

Alabama vs. Florida State Breakdown (Crimson White)

Win could return Florida State to relevance (Florida Times-Union)

Noles line-up still up in the air (Tallahassee Democrat)

Semi-homecoming (Tuscaloosa News)

Thursday roundup

Saban may regret mentoring Fisher (Birmingham News)

Crossing paths again (Florida Times-Union)

Bowden, West Virginia special for ‘Bama coach (Florida Times-Union)

Cecil Hurt: Big wins outside SEC far between (Tuscaloosa News)

Crimson ties run deep (FSView & Florida Flambeau)

Turning the Tide (FSView & Florida Flambeau)

Don’t give up yet (FSView & Florida Flambeau)

Huntsvillian recalls a kid named Bobby Bowden (Huntsville Times)

I’m leaving for Tallahassee tonight, then driving on to Jacksonville in the morning. Expect big things tomorrow…

Heartbreak Week begins

My friends in my college football pick ’em have dubbed this my heartbreak Week. Saturday will be the first time in my lifetime that my two favorite football teams go head to head–and they’re doing it in my hometown.

I’m sure I’ll have more to say on the subject later, but for now, a round up of articles I’ve read on the subject so far.

SUNDAY
‘Bama answers FSU’s call (Tallahassee Democrat)

MONDAY
Bowden has mixed feelings about Bama Bowl (Birmingham News)

‘Noles like neutral sites (Tallahassee Democrat)

FSU has strong ties to Saban (Tallahassee Democrat)

TUESDAY
Ties to Tallahassee (Tuscaloosa News)

Saban wary of offense for ‘Noles (Tallahassee Democrat)

Saban recalls Bowden’s offer (Tallahassee Democrat)

“The best thing that never happened to me” (Birmingham News)

No slowdown for football showdown (Birmingham News)

A look at Bobby Bowden’s career (Birmingham News) Sept. 25

No time like the present for Bowden (Florida Times-Union)

Tale of the tape: state of Florida vs. Alabama (Florida Times-Union)

No time like the present for Bowden (Florida Times-Union)

Florida State week (The Rap Sheet, blog of the Birmingham News’ Alabama beat writer)

You’re Dixie football’s pride, Crimson Tide

On Dec. 31, 1993, I had a choice: I could join my sisters for a lock in at a kids’ fun zone, or I could join my daddy for the 1993 Gator Bowl, a match up between our University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the North Carolina Tarheels. I chose the football game.

It was freezing out that night, and I stood shaking in the Gator Bowl (years before it was renovated and renamed Alltel Stadium) surrounded by middle aged men. Daddy and I drove home after a 24-10 victory, and I couldn’t understand why my sisters would choose not to be a part of this night.

Although I had a blast, I’m not sure I could have told you then how fondly I would look back on that memory.

Today my 16-year-old cousin, Katie, and I will travel to Tuscaloosa for her first-ever Alabama football game. We’ll wander the campus for hours in advance, then ascend to the upper deck for a battle against Louisiana-Monroe.

I know she’s excited, and I’m sure we’ll have fun. But I hope someday she’ll look back on this day and remember it as special – as her first real taste of college football.