Rising Stars
“For real, I’m kind of offended,” I remember saying to some classmates prior to the arrival of Jared Carrabis and Joon Lee.
After all, as Professor Shorr mentioned, both are essentially of the same age as I (Lee in particular), and, until that point, I felt that I, too, had built up some distinguishing experience.
My pride was shaken. My ego attempted to compensate. I immediately felt resistant.
Simply put, similar to Jake De Vries, I found it difficult to conceive that much value would be taken away from two hours of conversation.
But there was. Perhaps not from a technical or logistical standpoint, but certainly in attitude.
“People liking you is more important than people liking your work,” Carrabis stated – essentially conveying the truth that many (or possibly all) of us have come to realize. Contacts are vital. Networking is a necessity. It’s the sort of thing that COM has failed to convey. No matter how talented any one person is, who they know may very well trump what they know.
I, also like De Vries, was heartened to hear the merits of assertiveness – not only in the more vocal, opinionated branch of sports writing which Carrabis has pursued, but also in the “traditional” or “orthodox” side of work Lee operates within.
As a Houston-raised young woman, I can’t help but wonder if what Carrabis considers being aggressive has particularly succeeded because of the Boston market. Here, it’s likely that a little forwardness (and what I perceived as Carrabis’ “devil may care” style) goes a long way to earning respect. In Texas, a place where tradition, hospitality and almost painful politeness reign supreme, I don’t think it would be so well received.
Obviously, his remarks were aimed to inform us about our current location, but, seeing as many of us may in fact be sent to a variety of locations, perhaps even in the south, it’s a point I felt was worth making.
But it isn’t the only distinction of note. I found it particularly interesting that, whilst I am formulating my own definition of journalism, Carrabis stated his nonconformity with the label – while attempting to justify the legitimacy of Barstool Sports, no less.
Although I will hold most of my thoughts until our later discussion, I will say that his assessment and my own are not very different. I respect his “Bill Simmons approach,” for what it is – quality, entertaining commentary. And that’s fine! Just as De Vries pointed out, there is a need for that kind of content. While I can’t say that I share the same redeeming view of Barstool as Carrabis does, I firmly believe that, despite the fact that he isn’t directly interacting with players and coaches, the work he is doing is both meaningful and valid.
Lee, by contrast, is the quintessential, textbook journalist. While Carrabis shares a beer with David Price, Lee dutifully protects his tremendous Deflategate source. There’s no doubt that the work he does is of value and meaning (and his integrity is nearly impossible to call into question).
Both, however, meet on one list, neither more worthy than the other.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if these guys made me feel better or worse about my future in this field. I still have yet to decide.
On the one hand, I’m elated to know that there is acceptance of youth among more established professionals, something that Carrabis confirmed. However, I can’t help but feel that, despite my many efforts and bylines, I simply haven’t done enough.
Because while these two young men differed in style, they both share real tenacity, ambition and determination. I wonder if I could ever begin to approach their level of self-motivation.
Perhaps then, what I considered to be the most valuable aspect of this discussion was Lee’s noncommittal answer regarding his future. “I just want to write,” he laughed. For all of his constant grinding and hustling, he simply has yet to figure it all out.
A 20-year-old college student. Uncertain. Relatable. Imagine that.
I don’t have a resume like his. I don’t have all of the contacts. I don’t have a legion of Twitter followers. But I, too, just want to write. If arriving at Lee’s destination is my short-term goal, then that seems like a terrific start to getting there.