It's time to blog. Oh, yeah. Time to synthesize what my life was all about in 2010. Please excuse my immature manner, but I truly believe that the year 2010 was about my second chance to take my inexperienced young professional self seriously. "In 2010, I went back to the books again."
I was convinced for a while that my next step was to find a job right after college. That's what most people do, right? They go to college to get some knowledge..and never go to Jupiter to get more stupider. Haha. (I think you understand my point) Well, when you spend over seven months after stepping off the commencement stairs at graduation, you really ask yourself: What next?
Thoughts of frustration were "getting to me" and I was stuck in a twilight zone of believing I would stay hopeless in never finding a job. Never lose faith when you reach this situation, my friends. Opportunity is just around the corner. I was bound for school--again.
I learned about an opportunity to become a graduate assistant at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, in the heart of northwestern PA. The graduate assistantship opening was available for a GA coach in women's track & field/cross country; the head coach was leaving and the GA coach was graduating.
I also considered the fact that Clarion University had a Master's degree program in communication, and I thought that going for an advanced degree in communication-public relations would enhance and strengthen the "basic" skills in PR, which I obtained from Slippery Rock. Going to Clarion had nothing to do with athletics in my decision. It was a decision based on academics alone.
After finally been admitted to the M.S. program, I was not sure if I was going to be successful as a student. I finished my first semester with all A's, but there was still the problem of my GA coaching position. I was lacking imperative qualities and needed improvement in certain areas. I will admit. I was a little uncertain. Most importantly, I wanted to feel more comfortable at Clarion. For only three and a half months, I felt out of place. So, what did I decide to do? I stayed the summer in Clarion.
During the summer, I stayed on Liberty Street, near 5th Ave.--the main road of travel in town. It was a nice experience. I visited some interesting places around Clarion County, Pa., and some awesome people. Then, fall classes arrived...
I met the people of Koininia (coin-na-nee-ah), and Katie Black and Dean Alley, two people close to my age who lead the Christian fellowship organization. This group helped me socially connect and become more involved with on-campus activities.
My job duties as GA coach improved a great deal that semester, too. I would like to add that I created a team brochure for Clarion track & field/cross country as part of one of my public relations writing assignments, and I hope that that brochure becomes very beneficial, in terms of recruiting and promotion for the future.
I would like to leave you with this interesting remark on my college years, thus far.
2005: Graduated high school and still alive to arrive in college.
2006: So-so year, and felt like I was picking up fallen sticks.
2007: One year closer to what should feel like heaven when I graduate.
2008: It was soooo great!
2009: That year was mine! I finally graduated from Slippery Rock University.
2010: I went back to school again at Clarion University.
2011: Am I finally near heaven? Because I think I'll be earning my Master's degree...hopefully.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Thanks for reading. 8-)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
"What I Like About You" -- The Coaching Experience
Well, it is that time of the month (and, no. I'm not talking about the other time of the month). It's time to share what's on my mind.
It's Advent season. It's indoor track & field season. Ah. Yes. Track and field.
I'm pretty excited about track as coach for next spring 2011 semester. The Clarion University women's track team is currently getting ready for our first meet of the season at Edinboro University in January, and it's going to be a good one. Hopefully.
Being a coach is sometimes indescribable. It's nowhere near easy and everywhere difficult. Since I am not an education major, nor have a teaching background, I find it fun at times and not-so-fun other times.
Some people ask me if I enjoy coaching, considering those people to be family or friends who have known me as a competitive runner for most of my life.
I like to observe the situation as an opportunity to "think outside the box." For example, substitutions. If it's rainy outside, use the indoor track facility at the student recreation center. If hill workouts do not carry positive feedback from your sprinters, then tell them to do a set of stair climbing and dales for a certain amount of time.
Much of my early coaching experience has been observations and memorization. I am memorizing the type of dynamic warm-up, agility drills and basic workouts which the sprinters, jumpers and hurdlers are currently completing. I'm really enjoying the opportunity to learn and experience what they're doing. It's also a small flashback to some earlier days when I, myself, did similar drills as a middle distance runner.
The biggest challenge I have facing me, beyond experience, is self-confidence. I would really like the ladies whom I work with to trust me and fully understand that I am a helpful guide. I really want to see them excel in the classroom, not get behind with grades, and develop a stronger, positive attitude.
Will I ever coach again in the future? Who knows. For my slow start sake, let's hope that I get a full-time, entry-level job first before I commit anywhere for a volunteer coaching position.
Right now, I'm excited for the opportunity to get Level 1 coaching certification by USA Track and Field in January at Bowie State University in Bowie, Md. I think it will be beneficial to attend the coaching clinic, have that training "under my belt," and feel confident while talking to other coaches about their athletes' abilities outside of distance running.
- JW
It's Advent season. It's indoor track & field season. Ah. Yes. Track and field.
I'm pretty excited about track as coach for next spring 2011 semester. The Clarion University women's track team is currently getting ready for our first meet of the season at Edinboro University in January, and it's going to be a good one. Hopefully.
Being a coach is sometimes indescribable. It's nowhere near easy and everywhere difficult. Since I am not an education major, nor have a teaching background, I find it fun at times and not-so-fun other times.
Some people ask me if I enjoy coaching, considering those people to be family or friends who have known me as a competitive runner for most of my life.
I like to observe the situation as an opportunity to "think outside the box." For example, substitutions. If it's rainy outside, use the indoor track facility at the student recreation center. If hill workouts do not carry positive feedback from your sprinters, then tell them to do a set of stair climbing and dales for a certain amount of time.
Much of my early coaching experience has been observations and memorization. I am memorizing the type of dynamic warm-up, agility drills and basic workouts which the sprinters, jumpers and hurdlers are currently completing. I'm really enjoying the opportunity to learn and experience what they're doing. It's also a small flashback to some earlier days when I, myself, did similar drills as a middle distance runner.
The biggest challenge I have facing me, beyond experience, is self-confidence. I would really like the ladies whom I work with to trust me and fully understand that I am a helpful guide. I really want to see them excel in the classroom, not get behind with grades, and develop a stronger, positive attitude.
Will I ever coach again in the future? Who knows. For my slow start sake, let's hope that I get a full-time, entry-level job first before I commit anywhere for a volunteer coaching position.
Right now, I'm excited for the opportunity to get Level 1 coaching certification by USA Track and Field in January at Bowie State University in Bowie, Md. I think it will be beneficial to attend the coaching clinic, have that training "under my belt," and feel confident while talking to other coaches about their athletes' abilities outside of distance running.
- JW
Friday, October 15, 2010
Creative New Ideas for Old Favorites
In case you didn't know, I absolutely loved the animated series of Beetlejuice and the Fox Family-turned-ABC family show "Big Wolf on Campus." I hope you enjoy my fictitious works! :-)
(Big Wolf on College Campus)
After the trio Lori Baxter, Tommy Dawkins and Merton Dingle headed off to college, the weird and horrific episodes kept appearing. Tommy and Lori developed their relationship even further, while Merton attempted to find the supernatural at State U.
One day, when Merton visited the campus cafeteria with Lori and Tommy, he looked around and discovered a sweet, tall brunette, eating a turkey-and-American cheese sandwich by herself. Merton was blown away by this girl's beautiful appearance, and loner behavior, and decided to walk over to say hello. He sat down right beside her...and the supernatural was about to hit him.
This brunette was no ordinary girl. Brunette sophomore Jaime is a modern day Wiccan. And Jaime is not the only Wiccan on State U's campus. Secretly, Jaime is a triplet of an evil Witch circle, the Vexed; however, Jaime is not like her triplet sisters since she is good of heart...but Merton doesn't realize this at first.
After Jaime asks Merton out on a date in the cemetery, Joan and Jade find out about Jaime's secret date and desire to get back at her. They use their magick to trick and play a game with Merton, using faked feelings and mild lust.
Tommy discovers the weird ways which "Jaime" has been acting lately, and decides to take action to help his best friend. He goes on a date with Joan "just to find out more about Jaime," and terminates his relationship with Lori on the spot when Lori walks down the halls of Thompson one day and sees Tommy with "Jaime."
Lori runs to tell Merton this matter. Jaime suddenly disappears after spending the afternoon with Merton. Jaime tries to inform them that her triplet sisters have discovered her dating secret and want revenge against the trio.
The battle against good versus evil heats up when witches and werewolf collide for a Halloween treat. Big Wolf on Campus: 'Which Witch?' is rated PG-13 for mild crude language and some sexual content.
AND NOW...scenes from Big Wolf on College Campus ;-)
(Meeting Love)
"Oh yeah. She digs me," Merton said inside his head.
"Well, hello."
"Hey," Jaime said, looking up from her meal.
"My name is Merton James Dingle. Fellow dedicated follower of the supernatural, paranormal, goober normal and scientific lover of fiction, including my favorite, Monkeys from Planet Mars...and you are?"
"Not quite ready for this," she said, and stood up to walk away in a few steps.
"Wait," he turned to grab her hand, "What's your name?"
She turned back, smiled, and walked back to sit down again.
"I'm Jaime. I'm a sophomore, but I have to get to class--"
"What class?"
"Chemistry lab. I don't really like it. I'm more of a humanistic, artsy type of girl. I would rather write book reports, poetry, anything..other than trying to figure out a stupid equation. No offense."
Merton smiles, "None taken."
"Hey, why don't you text message me sometime. I'm kinda new here at State U. What's your number?"
Merton stood up, and started to get light-headed. Tommy and Lori glanced over to where the two were sitting at the far right table, and Tommy sprinted over in his werewolf-like speed to catch his "little buddy."
"Merton! Merton buddy, are you alright? What happened?"
"Nothing. I just told him that he could have my phone number," Jaime said.
Tommy laughed. "Is that it?"
"Yeah," Jaime said with a smirk.
"What happened?" Lori said.
Merton came back to consciousness.
"Nothing," Tommy said, "Merton just met her."
"Oh, hi," Lori said with a smile.
"I'm Lori, and this is Tommy," she said, reaching out her hand to shake with Jaime.
"Hey there," Jaime said, "Cool. So, are you guys..together?"
"Yeah," Lori said, "We've been goin' out since high school..senior year."
"That's awesome. Good for you," Jaime said.
"Thanks," Lori said.
"Could you please stop talking for one second and get the poor dark fella up from the--" Merton said, as Tommy gripped Merton's hand and pulled him up.
"...Ground," Merton finished his sentence, and smiled abundantly towards Jaime.
Jaime smiled. "And I like weird things, too. I'm big with ghosts and U.F.O. sightings...even though no one I know believes in that stuff but me...but..whatever."
"I love that stuff," Merton grinned.
"Well, like I said, I gotta get to class now. Starts in 10 minutes," she said.
"Oh, wait," Jaime said, "Here's my number." Jaime pulled out a black pen from her black bookbag and grabbed Merton's white arm to write out her cell phone number on his arm. Merton giggled.
"See you another time," she winked at Merton and smiled. "Nice meeting you two, Tommy and Lori."
"Nice to meet you, too, "Lori said in a humble voice.
"See ya," Tommy said, waving goodbye, and Jaime walked out the exit doors of the cafeteria.
"I'm in love!" Merton exclaimed, raising his arms in the air.
"Now, Merton, buddy. You can't know that just yet for sure. You gotta get to know this girl first," Tommy said.
"True," Lori said, "You don't know her."
"But I can sense it. Mm!" Merton replied.
"And you all thought I wouldn't meet a quote-on-quote 'real girl.' Not like that chick from the Salem Witch trials...or lovely Casandra..."
"She is the most hottest girl I've seen, Tommy! ...and she asked me for my number!"
"She better not be a threat, Tommy," Lori said, "Or I'll tae won do her butt to the ground!"
"Easy, Lori, " Tommy replied, "Just wait a bit. I think Merton will figure this one out. She seems like a nice girl. What do you think, Merton? Do you think she's a threat?"
"I am NEVER washing this arm again!" Merton announced loudly across the cafeteria.
A few stares went into Merton's direction.
"Uh, sorry?" he said.
Little did Merton know that a good, wonderful Wiccan was a part of an evil trip who were about ready to cast a spell against the Pleasantville High alumni trio. This was not just by Magick.
...but Merton was falling hard for Jaime. Fast.
(Merton and the Surprise)
Merton couldn't wait to call the first normal-looking girl he met who didn't kiss him death, or didn't turned him to stone.
Merton began to call Jaime's number.
"Hello?"
"Hi. Jaime?"
"Yeah, hi Merton. What's up?"
Merton paused to happily dance and express his enthusiasm.
"Ah, nothing. I just thought I would use your phone number to call. How--how are you?"
Jaime laughed. "I'm fine."
"So..." Merton started to reply.
"Hey, I think my mom is on the other line right now. Can you hold on a second?"
"Sure," he said.
"Thanks. I'll be right back."
Two minutes passed, and Jaime answered Merton.
"Sorry about that."
"That's fine. No problem. Just relaxing in the dorm lobby. I live with Tommy by the way. He's my roommate."
"Oh, that's cool. Nice."
"Yeah, we're pretty close buds. So, how about you? I--I don't know what to say."
Jaime laughed, "Aww. That's cute. Well, I'm a communication major--"
"You're definitely a better communicator than I am," he said.
Jaime smiled. "I like your hair...I mean, what's your major?"
"Well, I have decided, based on my interests that I want to focus on the black arts recently.."
Jaime paused...then giggled.
"Just kidding. I want to double major in chemistry and biology here. I'm into dead things, too."
"Dead things?"
"Yeah, you know. Like, dead man's toe, fungus, nematodes--"
"I think I get the picture."
"Oh."
"Can I tell you a secret?" Jaime asked.
"Sure," Merton said.
"In person?"
"Well, yeah."
"Meet me in the old lab, 112 of Rhinehart Hall at 12:00 midnight. I think you'll understand and I want to show you."
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"Yeah. Definitely."
"Alright. See you soon."
Merton hung up his cell phone. He had a puzzled look on his face, which led to a worried expression. What if she isn't who I think she is? She can't be Miss Wonderful. Right?
Merton met Jaime inside the lab at 11:58 p.m.
"Okay," Jaime said, "Promise--no--Swear to me that you won't run away to what I'm about to show you."
"No big deal. I've seen plenty of weirdness with my times that Tommy and I have been together."
"Okay," she said, "Close your eyes." She came close to Merton and took his hands to cover his eyes completely.
"No peaking."
He could not resist to being squimish and giddy. She whispered in his left ear, "I hope you like me."
Merton smiled brightly.
She stepped away from him and pulled her brunette hair down with her fingers to reveal her streaks of long black hair which grew to reach her breasts, instead of her shoulders. She replaced her clothes in an instance with her new velvet robe, purple corsette, black skirt and black pump shoes. Lacey stockings replaced her bare legs and purple streaks flowed down her black hair.
"You can open them now," she said.
Merton gave a look of shock then turned his eyes and facial expression to look of reassurance.
"You're not who I think you are..." he said. She nodded. "Are you? A witch?"
"Yes, Merton. I'm a Wiccan...or a witch like you said."
He was disgusted for a moment, folding his arms, then walked over to grab her hands.
For a moment he was annoyed, but he suddenly realized something.
"As the great witch, Linda, of the North in the 1930s classic production Wizard of Oz once said to Dorothy," he said.
Jaime giggled.
"Are you a good witch or a bad witch?"
Jaime smiled before answering.
"I'm a good witch."
Merton sighed.
"I've always been. And I want to be known as Jaime. Just normal Jaime, " she said, "Not like some stupid misunderstood social outcast."
Merton muttered under his breath, "I resent that."
"Sorry!" she exclaimed and briefly laughed.
"Merton," Jaime said, "I like you...but I don't know why."
Merton blushed.
"You seem sweet, kind, smart, a nice guy," she said.
"Ah...gee, thanks," he smiled like a little boy.
"And so full of energy!" she said.
He made one of his shy quirks.
"And quirky. Ha ha. I like that about you. You make me feel like we could go on an adventure together and find some cool stuff."
"I like you, too, Jaime," he said, "but, please, don't cast a spell on me...unless, it is for the greater good of mankind. I don't want to end up like a frog in my biology class."
Jaime laughed a bit harder. Merton stared into Jaime's eyes, and she couldn't stop laughing.
"I'm sorry, Merton. Can I call you Mert?"
"You can call me whatever you want...just don't call me Dingle."
"Okay," she said, "Ding-a-ling-a-ling!" She laughed, smiled, and bit her lower lip with her teeth.
"It's getting too late and I have to get going," Jaime said.
"Again?" Merton said. Jaime gathered her things and placed them into her bookbag. "Again with the leaving."
"Don't worry. I'll be around all day tomorrow around Thompson Hall..I mean today. It is after midnight, right?"
"Yeah, I guess."
She sheepishly looked back into his eyes again.
"How about I leave you with one thing before I go," she said.
"What's that?"
She grabbed his left hand and right hand, and placed them on her hips. He got weak in his legs.
"Stand up," she said, giggling.
She placed her arms around his neck and began to slow dance.
The stereo mysteriously turned on and began to play soft instrumental jazz music.
"I really didn't have this in mind," he said, "Most girls who are witches I know turn out to be creepy sorority sisters from a strange university."
Jaime laughed.
"And I don't mean that in a positive way."
"I'm not like that at all," she said, "In fact, I think sororities are overrated."
"I wanted to reveal my true identity with you because...I sort of feel like an outcast. And I felt like I could trust you because you said you like that stuff."
"Don't say that...you are.." Merton stumbled.
"And I don't know many cute goth guys around campus," Jaime said.
"Are..." Merton tried to regain his confident stride. "Ah-mazing."
Jaime smiled brightly, from ear to ear, and giggled again.
"I don't care if you do cast a spell on me anyway...You could ahead and do one right now. Are you casting a spell on me right now?"
Jaime shook her head. "Nope. Not at all."
Merton sighed relief.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously."
"I don't understand. Why me?"
"I just told you. I feel like I can trust you."
Jaime leaned back on the biology desk, smiling, as Merton drew closer. Just then, he looked up and saw shadows of people outside in the hallway. The music turned off suddenly.
"Quick! Go duck inside the closet," Merton said,"How are we going to get out?"
"Seriously? You're talking to a witch? I've got a spell for almost everything," Jaime said, "Take my hand." Merton grabbed Jaime's hand and they became invisible. They walked through the biology door and graciously walked outside the building together.
Then, they turned visible again.
"Goodnight," Jaime waved, walking away.
"Goodnight," Merton waved back, sighing again. She is SO fine! Merton thought to himself.
Five minutes later, Jaime left to return back to her dorm. Merton was blown away by Jaime's actions that he decided the next morning that he was going to tell Tommy about her secret.
---
(Merton's kiss)
Merton and Lori attended the homecoming football game, which was against Union College, to watch Tommy play in his debut game. Jaime walked past the section where Merton and Lori were sitting, and Merton said to Lori, "I think I'm going to invite Jaime up here to sit with us."
"In that case, I'm going to find another place to sit," Lori said, "You two can sit together."
"Um, thanks for bailing," Merton said.
He glanced down to make eye contact with Jaime and motioned her to walk up the bleachers to sit beside him. She walked up with a smile and sat down.
"Nachos?" he said.
"No thanks," she said, "So, is this your first college football game?"
"Well, no. I mean, yeah. Tommy is second string quarterback and starts playing tonight."
"Very cool."
He eyed Lori from over in the student section, and gave her the "hey, look who I'm sitting with" facial expression. Lori rolled her eyes back at him.
"Yeah, very cool," he said.
"So, do you like football?"
Merton tried to pull his arm around Jaime, but just then Jaime yelled, "Hey, that's my friend Laura! Hey Laura!" The girl waved at Jaime.
"Yeah, I like it," she said, " I really like it when interceptions are made, ref's keep their senses about calls, and the flippin' team knows how to run their offense." Jaime got off her feet to stand and yell, "What the heck, ref? Make the call already!"
Merton looked embarrassed.
"You really know your football," he said.
"Not really," she said, "I just get annoyed when people stop acting like people during a game."
She turned to look at Merton and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Then, she stood up as she watched State U score a touchdown.
The rest of the crowd jumped to their feet with her and cheered loudly. Merton paused for a second, looking dumbfounded, then stood up as well, regaining his strength, and held her hand.
Jaime laced her fingers with his and felt his pale hand's warmth.
"I'm glad I met you," Merton said.
"I'm glad too, Merton" Jaime said, "It was by chance, I think. Wasn't it?"
"No," he said, "I think you've bewitched me."
With that statement, Merton pursed his lips as Jaime smiled, leaning in closer to Merton. Jaime whispered to Merton, "I really like you," and felt her lips pressing against his for a moment. Then, a toy football flew wildly and hit Merton on the side of the head, as he was knocked out on the bleacher.
"Merton! Are you alright? Merton!"
(Big Wolf on College Campus)
After the trio Lori Baxter, Tommy Dawkins and Merton Dingle headed off to college, the weird and horrific episodes kept appearing. Tommy and Lori developed their relationship even further, while Merton attempted to find the supernatural at State U.
One day, when Merton visited the campus cafeteria with Lori and Tommy, he looked around and discovered a sweet, tall brunette, eating a turkey-and-American cheese sandwich by herself. Merton was blown away by this girl's beautiful appearance, and loner behavior, and decided to walk over to say hello. He sat down right beside her...and the supernatural was about to hit him.
This brunette was no ordinary girl. Brunette sophomore Jaime is a modern day Wiccan. And Jaime is not the only Wiccan on State U's campus. Secretly, Jaime is a triplet of an evil Witch circle, the Vexed; however, Jaime is not like her triplet sisters since she is good of heart...but Merton doesn't realize this at first.
After Jaime asks Merton out on a date in the cemetery, Joan and Jade find out about Jaime's secret date and desire to get back at her. They use their magick to trick and play a game with Merton, using faked feelings and mild lust.
Tommy discovers the weird ways which "Jaime" has been acting lately, and decides to take action to help his best friend. He goes on a date with Joan "just to find out more about Jaime," and terminates his relationship with Lori on the spot when Lori walks down the halls of Thompson one day and sees Tommy with "Jaime."
Lori runs to tell Merton this matter. Jaime suddenly disappears after spending the afternoon with Merton. Jaime tries to inform them that her triplet sisters have discovered her dating secret and want revenge against the trio.
The battle against good versus evil heats up when witches and werewolf collide for a Halloween treat. Big Wolf on Campus: 'Which Witch?' is rated PG-13 for mild crude language and some sexual content.
AND NOW...scenes from Big Wolf on College Campus ;-)
(Meeting Love)
"Oh yeah. She digs me," Merton said inside his head.
"Well, hello."
"Hey," Jaime said, looking up from her meal.
"My name is Merton James Dingle. Fellow dedicated follower of the supernatural, paranormal, goober normal and scientific lover of fiction, including my favorite, Monkeys from Planet Mars...and you are?"
"Not quite ready for this," she said, and stood up to walk away in a few steps.
"Wait," he turned to grab her hand, "What's your name?"
She turned back, smiled, and walked back to sit down again.
"I'm Jaime. I'm a sophomore, but I have to get to class--"
"What class?"
"Chemistry lab. I don't really like it. I'm more of a humanistic, artsy type of girl. I would rather write book reports, poetry, anything..other than trying to figure out a stupid equation. No offense."
Merton smiles, "None taken."
"Hey, why don't you text message me sometime. I'm kinda new here at State U. What's your number?"
Merton stood up, and started to get light-headed. Tommy and Lori glanced over to where the two were sitting at the far right table, and Tommy sprinted over in his werewolf-like speed to catch his "little buddy."
"Merton! Merton buddy, are you alright? What happened?"
"Nothing. I just told him that he could have my phone number," Jaime said.
Tommy laughed. "Is that it?"
"Yeah," Jaime said with a smirk.
"What happened?" Lori said.
Merton came back to consciousness.
"Nothing," Tommy said, "Merton just met her."
"Oh, hi," Lori said with a smile.
"I'm Lori, and this is Tommy," she said, reaching out her hand to shake with Jaime.
"Hey there," Jaime said, "Cool. So, are you guys..together?"
"Yeah," Lori said, "We've been goin' out since high school..senior year."
"That's awesome. Good for you," Jaime said.
"Thanks," Lori said.
"Could you please stop talking for one second and get the poor dark fella up from the--" Merton said, as Tommy gripped Merton's hand and pulled him up.
"...Ground," Merton finished his sentence, and smiled abundantly towards Jaime.
Jaime smiled. "And I like weird things, too. I'm big with ghosts and U.F.O. sightings...even though no one I know believes in that stuff but me...but..whatever."
"I love that stuff," Merton grinned.
"Well, like I said, I gotta get to class now. Starts in 10 minutes," she said.
"Oh, wait," Jaime said, "Here's my number." Jaime pulled out a black pen from her black bookbag and grabbed Merton's white arm to write out her cell phone number on his arm. Merton giggled.
"See you another time," she winked at Merton and smiled. "Nice meeting you two, Tommy and Lori."
"Nice to meet you, too, "Lori said in a humble voice.
"See ya," Tommy said, waving goodbye, and Jaime walked out the exit doors of the cafeteria.
"I'm in love!" Merton exclaimed, raising his arms in the air.
"Now, Merton, buddy. You can't know that just yet for sure. You gotta get to know this girl first," Tommy said.
"True," Lori said, "You don't know her."
"But I can sense it. Mm!" Merton replied.
"And you all thought I wouldn't meet a quote-on-quote 'real girl.' Not like that chick from the Salem Witch trials...or lovely Casandra..."
"She is the most hottest girl I've seen, Tommy! ...and she asked me for my number!"
"She better not be a threat, Tommy," Lori said, "Or I'll tae won do her butt to the ground!"
"Easy, Lori, " Tommy replied, "Just wait a bit. I think Merton will figure this one out. She seems like a nice girl. What do you think, Merton? Do you think she's a threat?"
"I am NEVER washing this arm again!" Merton announced loudly across the cafeteria.
A few stares went into Merton's direction.
"Uh, sorry?" he said.
Little did Merton know that a good, wonderful Wiccan was a part of an evil trip who were about ready to cast a spell against the Pleasantville High alumni trio. This was not just by Magick.
...but Merton was falling hard for Jaime. Fast.
(Merton and the Surprise)
Merton couldn't wait to call the first normal-looking girl he met who didn't kiss him death, or didn't turned him to stone.
Merton began to call Jaime's number.
"Hello?"
"Hi. Jaime?"
"Yeah, hi Merton. What's up?"
Merton paused to happily dance and express his enthusiasm.
"Ah, nothing. I just thought I would use your phone number to call. How--how are you?"
Jaime laughed. "I'm fine."
"So..." Merton started to reply.
"Hey, I think my mom is on the other line right now. Can you hold on a second?"
"Sure," he said.
"Thanks. I'll be right back."
Two minutes passed, and Jaime answered Merton.
"Sorry about that."
"That's fine. No problem. Just relaxing in the dorm lobby. I live with Tommy by the way. He's my roommate."
"Oh, that's cool. Nice."
"Yeah, we're pretty close buds. So, how about you? I--I don't know what to say."
Jaime laughed, "Aww. That's cute. Well, I'm a communication major--"
"You're definitely a better communicator than I am," he said.
Jaime smiled. "I like your hair...I mean, what's your major?"
"Well, I have decided, based on my interests that I want to focus on the black arts recently.."
Jaime paused...then giggled.
"Just kidding. I want to double major in chemistry and biology here. I'm into dead things, too."
"Dead things?"
"Yeah, you know. Like, dead man's toe, fungus, nematodes--"
"I think I get the picture."
"Oh."
"Can I tell you a secret?" Jaime asked.
"Sure," Merton said.
"In person?"
"Well, yeah."
"Meet me in the old lab, 112 of Rhinehart Hall at 12:00 midnight. I think you'll understand and I want to show you."
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"Yeah. Definitely."
"Alright. See you soon."
Merton hung up his cell phone. He had a puzzled look on his face, which led to a worried expression. What if she isn't who I think she is? She can't be Miss Wonderful. Right?
Merton met Jaime inside the lab at 11:58 p.m.
"Okay," Jaime said, "Promise--no--Swear to me that you won't run away to what I'm about to show you."
"No big deal. I've seen plenty of weirdness with my times that Tommy and I have been together."
"Okay," she said, "Close your eyes." She came close to Merton and took his hands to cover his eyes completely.
"No peaking."
He could not resist to being squimish and giddy. She whispered in his left ear, "I hope you like me."
Merton smiled brightly.
She stepped away from him and pulled her brunette hair down with her fingers to reveal her streaks of long black hair which grew to reach her breasts, instead of her shoulders. She replaced her clothes in an instance with her new velvet robe, purple corsette, black skirt and black pump shoes. Lacey stockings replaced her bare legs and purple streaks flowed down her black hair.
"You can open them now," she said.
Merton gave a look of shock then turned his eyes and facial expression to look of reassurance.
"You're not who I think you are..." he said. She nodded. "Are you? A witch?"
"Yes, Merton. I'm a Wiccan...or a witch like you said."
He was disgusted for a moment, folding his arms, then walked over to grab her hands.
For a moment he was annoyed, but he suddenly realized something.
"As the great witch, Linda, of the North in the 1930s classic production Wizard of Oz once said to Dorothy," he said.
Jaime giggled.
"Are you a good witch or a bad witch?"
Jaime smiled before answering.
"I'm a good witch."
Merton sighed.
"I've always been. And I want to be known as Jaime. Just normal Jaime, " she said, "Not like some stupid misunderstood social outcast."
Merton muttered under his breath, "I resent that."
"Sorry!" she exclaimed and briefly laughed.
"Merton," Jaime said, "I like you...but I don't know why."
Merton blushed.
"You seem sweet, kind, smart, a nice guy," she said.
"Ah...gee, thanks," he smiled like a little boy.
"And so full of energy!" she said.
He made one of his shy quirks.
"And quirky. Ha ha. I like that about you. You make me feel like we could go on an adventure together and find some cool stuff."
"I like you, too, Jaime," he said, "but, please, don't cast a spell on me...unless, it is for the greater good of mankind. I don't want to end up like a frog in my biology class."
Jaime laughed a bit harder. Merton stared into Jaime's eyes, and she couldn't stop laughing.
"I'm sorry, Merton. Can I call you Mert?"
"You can call me whatever you want...just don't call me Dingle."
"Okay," she said, "Ding-a-ling-a-ling!" She laughed, smiled, and bit her lower lip with her teeth.
"It's getting too late and I have to get going," Jaime said.
"Again?" Merton said. Jaime gathered her things and placed them into her bookbag. "Again with the leaving."
"Don't worry. I'll be around all day tomorrow around Thompson Hall..I mean today. It is after midnight, right?"
"Yeah, I guess."
She sheepishly looked back into his eyes again.
"How about I leave you with one thing before I go," she said.
"What's that?"
She grabbed his left hand and right hand, and placed them on her hips. He got weak in his legs.
"Stand up," she said, giggling.
She placed her arms around his neck and began to slow dance.
The stereo mysteriously turned on and began to play soft instrumental jazz music.
"I really didn't have this in mind," he said, "Most girls who are witches I know turn out to be creepy sorority sisters from a strange university."
Jaime laughed.
"And I don't mean that in a positive way."
"I'm not like that at all," she said, "In fact, I think sororities are overrated."
"I wanted to reveal my true identity with you because...I sort of feel like an outcast. And I felt like I could trust you because you said you like that stuff."
"Don't say that...you are.." Merton stumbled.
"And I don't know many cute goth guys around campus," Jaime said.
"Are..." Merton tried to regain his confident stride. "Ah-mazing."
Jaime smiled brightly, from ear to ear, and giggled again.
"I don't care if you do cast a spell on me anyway...You could ahead and do one right now. Are you casting a spell on me right now?"
Jaime shook her head. "Nope. Not at all."
Merton sighed relief.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously."
"I don't understand. Why me?"
"I just told you. I feel like I can trust you."
Jaime leaned back on the biology desk, smiling, as Merton drew closer. Just then, he looked up and saw shadows of people outside in the hallway. The music turned off suddenly.
"Quick! Go duck inside the closet," Merton said,"How are we going to get out?"
"Seriously? You're talking to a witch? I've got a spell for almost everything," Jaime said, "Take my hand." Merton grabbed Jaime's hand and they became invisible. They walked through the biology door and graciously walked outside the building together.
Then, they turned visible again.
"Goodnight," Jaime waved, walking away.
"Goodnight," Merton waved back, sighing again. She is SO fine! Merton thought to himself.
Five minutes later, Jaime left to return back to her dorm. Merton was blown away by Jaime's actions that he decided the next morning that he was going to tell Tommy about her secret.
---
(Merton's kiss)
Merton and Lori attended the homecoming football game, which was against Union College, to watch Tommy play in his debut game. Jaime walked past the section where Merton and Lori were sitting, and Merton said to Lori, "I think I'm going to invite Jaime up here to sit with us."
"In that case, I'm going to find another place to sit," Lori said, "You two can sit together."
"Um, thanks for bailing," Merton said.
He glanced down to make eye contact with Jaime and motioned her to walk up the bleachers to sit beside him. She walked up with a smile and sat down.
"Nachos?" he said.
"No thanks," she said, "So, is this your first college football game?"
"Well, no. I mean, yeah. Tommy is second string quarterback and starts playing tonight."
"Very cool."
He eyed Lori from over in the student section, and gave her the "hey, look who I'm sitting with" facial expression. Lori rolled her eyes back at him.
"Yeah, very cool," he said.
"So, do you like football?"
Merton tried to pull his arm around Jaime, but just then Jaime yelled, "Hey, that's my friend Laura! Hey Laura!" The girl waved at Jaime.
"Yeah, I like it," she said, " I really like it when interceptions are made, ref's keep their senses about calls, and the flippin' team knows how to run their offense." Jaime got off her feet to stand and yell, "What the heck, ref? Make the call already!"
Merton looked embarrassed.
"You really know your football," he said.
"Not really," she said, "I just get annoyed when people stop acting like people during a game."
She turned to look at Merton and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Then, she stood up as she watched State U score a touchdown.
The rest of the crowd jumped to their feet with her and cheered loudly. Merton paused for a second, looking dumbfounded, then stood up as well, regaining his strength, and held her hand.
Jaime laced her fingers with his and felt his pale hand's warmth.
"I'm glad I met you," Merton said.
"I'm glad too, Merton" Jaime said, "It was by chance, I think. Wasn't it?"
"No," he said, "I think you've bewitched me."
With that statement, Merton pursed his lips as Jaime smiled, leaning in closer to Merton. Jaime whispered to Merton, "I really like you," and felt her lips pressing against his for a moment. Then, a toy football flew wildly and hit Merton on the side of the head, as he was knocked out on the bleacher.
"Merton! Are you alright? Merton!"
Monday, September 20, 2010
Real Love
I'm sorry...
I've had enough of the dating/engagement/wedding news lately. I can't deal with anymore announcements. I want to figure out my life first. Like I said before, I'm in my second semester of graduate studies. After this semester, there are two more semesters left. In the meantime, I'm wondering if I like coaching...I think I do, once I conquered the hard part of testing out of recruiting by the NCAA. That is where my life is right now. No other person is in the picture. Just me. Jaime.
All the time, I wish that friends of mine would just "shush" and look at the words and images they have about "their marriages," and husbands, etc.
This may sound like a longshot, but just remember Christ's love and remember that we are the body of Christ. If you want to marry, become the Body and join Him. I understand that this may not be the message you wanted to "hear," but, at least to me, it makes a lot of sense.
Exchange lust for a life. Eternal life in Christ. :-) Ladies, your "real man" is Jesus Christ. You don't need eHarmony.com to find him. Pick up a Bible and read about Him and real love...not the crap on Disney or Lifetime flicks.
Alright. Now I feel better. :-D
I've had enough of the dating/engagement/wedding news lately. I can't deal with anymore announcements. I want to figure out my life first. Like I said before, I'm in my second semester of graduate studies. After this semester, there are two more semesters left. In the meantime, I'm wondering if I like coaching...I think I do, once I conquered the hard part of testing out of recruiting by the NCAA. That is where my life is right now. No other person is in the picture. Just me. Jaime.
All the time, I wish that friends of mine would just "shush" and look at the words and images they have about "their marriages," and husbands, etc.
This may sound like a longshot, but just remember Christ's love and remember that we are the body of Christ. If you want to marry, become the Body and join Him. I understand that this may not be the message you wanted to "hear," but, at least to me, it makes a lot of sense.
Exchange lust for a life. Eternal life in Christ. :-) Ladies, your "real man" is Jesus Christ. You don't need eHarmony.com to find him. Pick up a Bible and read about Him and real love...not the crap on Disney or Lifetime flicks.
Alright. Now I feel better. :-D
Sunday, August 8, 2010
SOMML (Stuff on My Mind Lately)
...well, as they always say, "there's a lot."
Second semester of graduate school is starting on August 30, 2010, and I'm excited. As of today (Sunday, Aug. 8), that's three weeks away...and two weeks from tomorrow starts cross country camp at Clarion University. I'm really excited about that. :-D
I have, maybe, one more week at The Clarion News, selling sponsorships for my last page, dedicated to high school football...yay. Ha ha. Will I miss that internship experience at the paper? A little bit 'yes,' and a little bit 'no.' ...but I least I can add it to my pile of related experiences.
What's really on my mind? God. My Saviour.
I was thinking about starting an outreach group this fall, either with Campus Crusade for Christ or with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). I think it's important to let others know that they are loved, no matter what they say in doubt. And, I feel God tugging at my heart to take action. Since I dedicated my life to Christ through my baptism, it just feels right.
I also feel more open to express my love for Christ. For example, "Revelation" by Third Day...or "One More Round" by BarlowGirl...and ESPECIALLY "Speaking Louder than Before" by Jeremy Camp. :-)
Too many people I know call themselves Christians, yet they don't read their Bibles daily..or pray daily. Why? What's wrong? God loves us and God has NEVER given up on us--we have given up on us! So, "Stand up if you're broken..Stand up if you feel ashamed..You are not alone when you hurt this way...Stand up if you need love..This is My judgement Day..You don't have to hide..There's no need to run..Everything will be okay." --Fireflight's "Stand Up"
I was like that before...and now I know everything is fine. There's no need to worry. If something doesn't happen right away, your expectations, then, it's because God is going to deliver it at some point; and, in the accordance of time, not right now, but later on.
Anybody ready to be turned inside out? Upside down? That's the kind of God I'm talking about! :-D The one who turns the plain into miracles..the 'lost' to 'saved!' Alleuiah!
Until next time...God bless!
Second semester of graduate school is starting on August 30, 2010, and I'm excited. As of today (Sunday, Aug. 8), that's three weeks away...and two weeks from tomorrow starts cross country camp at Clarion University. I'm really excited about that. :-D
I have, maybe, one more week at The Clarion News, selling sponsorships for my last page, dedicated to high school football...yay. Ha ha. Will I miss that internship experience at the paper? A little bit 'yes,' and a little bit 'no.' ...but I least I can add it to my pile of related experiences.
What's really on my mind? God. My Saviour.
I was thinking about starting an outreach group this fall, either with Campus Crusade for Christ or with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). I think it's important to let others know that they are loved, no matter what they say in doubt. And, I feel God tugging at my heart to take action. Since I dedicated my life to Christ through my baptism, it just feels right.
I also feel more open to express my love for Christ. For example, "Revelation" by Third Day...or "One More Round" by BarlowGirl...and ESPECIALLY "Speaking Louder than Before" by Jeremy Camp. :-)
Too many people I know call themselves Christians, yet they don't read their Bibles daily..or pray daily. Why? What's wrong? God loves us and God has NEVER given up on us--we have given up on us! So, "Stand up if you're broken..Stand up if you feel ashamed..You are not alone when you hurt this way...Stand up if you need love..This is My judgement Day..You don't have to hide..There's no need to run..Everything will be okay." --Fireflight's "Stand Up"
I was like that before...and now I know everything is fine. There's no need to worry. If something doesn't happen right away, your expectations, then, it's because God is going to deliver it at some point; and, in the accordance of time, not right now, but later on.
Anybody ready to be turned inside out? Upside down? That's the kind of God I'm talking about! :-D The one who turns the plain into miracles..the 'lost' to 'saved!' Alleuiah!
Until next time...God bless!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
"If We Are the Body..."
I'm not going to write much tonight since I would like to go to bed...sleep is so good.
I went to a women's Bible study this past Wednesday (meaning, I took off from running that evening..only missed an easy run), and it was so good. Good fellowship, good food, and a great message: His peace endures.
Peace is ignoring the anxiety of the world and of the Enemy. Peace is sought out by listening to God's message of love and prayer.
All I need is acceptance of God's peace and visualize His peace. Because His love endures forever...and just saying that statement is not enough.
Most of my friends may be getting married, engaged, dating, or whatever...but I will always have the Lord by my side. Because he never gives up on me...He has been there for me every step of my life and never disappoints. Since my Bible study on Wednesday, I've better understood the passion behind the message and how I need to really, really follow Christ more.
So, if we are the Body, why aren't our arms reaching? Why aren't our hands healing? Why aren't our lips preaching? WHY?
I would love to talk more about this, but a wonderful time of slumber is calling my name. Goodnight and God bless. :-)
- Jaime "Dubs"
I went to a women's Bible study this past Wednesday (meaning, I took off from running that evening..only missed an easy run), and it was so good. Good fellowship, good food, and a great message: His peace endures.
Peace is ignoring the anxiety of the world and of the Enemy. Peace is sought out by listening to God's message of love and prayer.
All I need is acceptance of God's peace and visualize His peace. Because His love endures forever...and just saying that statement is not enough.
Most of my friends may be getting married, engaged, dating, or whatever...but I will always have the Lord by my side. Because he never gives up on me...He has been there for me every step of my life and never disappoints. Since my Bible study on Wednesday, I've better understood the passion behind the message and how I need to really, really follow Christ more.
So, if we are the Body, why aren't our arms reaching? Why aren't our hands healing? Why aren't our lips preaching? WHY?
I would love to talk more about this, but a wonderful time of slumber is calling my name. Goodnight and God bless. :-)
- Jaime "Dubs"
Sunday, June 13, 2010
That Dream Guy...What Did You Say His Name Was, Again?
So, I'm watching "Dear John" today on a Sunday afternoon, in between doing laundry and lunch, and as I'm watching, I'm thinking, "Could there ever be a guy out there for me like John?"
Well, inquiring minds want to know...really...
Every girl, in my opinion, has an ideal guy. For me, I've thought of that someone since middle school. Ha ha. Sad, isn't it? I think that in middle, or elementary school, you dream about a lot of things from the future. For example, when I was in 3rd grade, I thought that I would be training for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games for track & field, probably in the 400 and 800 meter run; and in order to get there, I would need to train at either a NCAA Division I or II athletic program in college beforehand. I knew that by the time I would be 25 years old and in prime time shape for the Olympics.
Fast-forward to nearly 15 years later...I did compete at a NCAA Division II athletic school, however, I'm probably not going to make it in any event for the Olympics.
Bottomline: I made a wish for the future, hoping that it would all come true...and it partially did, revealing to me a much better self-satisfying solution: Collegiate All-American. :-)
That eight-year-old inside me has another desire besides running and competing...a soul mate.
And that eight-year-old has said once before, "I think that he will be tall...'cause he has to be taller than me. That's how it works. And...with dark hair and dark brown eyes, with a very cute smile...and he has to be handsome!"
LOL Yeah, I think I said that before. But since then, I've thought more about what I want in a guy, aside from just appearance.
I want to find someone who is carefree and laid-back (to contrast with my uptight self)...Someone who can always make me smile and laugh...Someone who is very trusting...Someone who appreciates and encourages my active running (because I would like to run for the rest of my life)...Someone who pushes me to try new things and makes me see things in a different light...
...Someone who is NOT like my dad. LOL No offense to my dad.
Most importantly, I want to find someone who believes in Christ and respects my spirituality behind my Christian beliefs. It's difficult to find a guy like that.
And then there's a girl's dream of a wedding...when I was in ninth grade Sunday School class, our teacher asked us to draw what our future wedding dresses would look like...and I forget what I drew.
But I knew that I wanted to get married in 2015...at the minimum 2012. There's just something about the age of 25 for me. I don't know what it is. And the wedding could happen anytime in the fall...as long as there are preparations for it to be indoors if the weather turns to crap that day.
And the wedding would need to honor God in some way, shape or form. I would like all my closest members of the Slippery Rock women's cross-country and/or track to be there...maybe as bridesmaids.
Most importantly, I want my grandfather see me get married before he passes on. He's 86 right now...so, there's still time.
Whoever has my interest in the near to late future, I want them to respect everything that I have in life, and to be patient with me. I'm a bit of a crazy girl to work with. Hehe.
Alright. Laundry's done. Time to get groceries...and then time for a long run at Cook Forest State Park.
Until next time... ;-)
Well, inquiring minds want to know...really...
Every girl, in my opinion, has an ideal guy. For me, I've thought of that someone since middle school. Ha ha. Sad, isn't it? I think that in middle, or elementary school, you dream about a lot of things from the future. For example, when I was in 3rd grade, I thought that I would be training for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games for track & field, probably in the 400 and 800 meter run; and in order to get there, I would need to train at either a NCAA Division I or II athletic program in college beforehand. I knew that by the time I would be 25 years old and in prime time shape for the Olympics.
Fast-forward to nearly 15 years later...I did compete at a NCAA Division II athletic school, however, I'm probably not going to make it in any event for the Olympics.
Bottomline: I made a wish for the future, hoping that it would all come true...and it partially did, revealing to me a much better self-satisfying solution: Collegiate All-American. :-)
That eight-year-old inside me has another desire besides running and competing...a soul mate.
And that eight-year-old has said once before, "I think that he will be tall...'cause he has to be taller than me. That's how it works. And...with dark hair and dark brown eyes, with a very cute smile...and he has to be handsome!"
LOL Yeah, I think I said that before. But since then, I've thought more about what I want in a guy, aside from just appearance.
I want to find someone who is carefree and laid-back (to contrast with my uptight self)...Someone who can always make me smile and laugh...Someone who is very trusting...Someone who appreciates and encourages my active running (because I would like to run for the rest of my life)...Someone who pushes me to try new things and makes me see things in a different light...
...Someone who is NOT like my dad. LOL No offense to my dad.
Most importantly, I want to find someone who believes in Christ and respects my spirituality behind my Christian beliefs. It's difficult to find a guy like that.
And then there's a girl's dream of a wedding...when I was in ninth grade Sunday School class, our teacher asked us to draw what our future wedding dresses would look like...and I forget what I drew.
But I knew that I wanted to get married in 2015...at the minimum 2012. There's just something about the age of 25 for me. I don't know what it is. And the wedding could happen anytime in the fall...as long as there are preparations for it to be indoors if the weather turns to crap that day.
And the wedding would need to honor God in some way, shape or form. I would like all my closest members of the Slippery Rock women's cross-country and/or track to be there...maybe as bridesmaids.
Most importantly, I want my grandfather see me get married before he passes on. He's 86 right now...so, there's still time.
Whoever has my interest in the near to late future, I want them to respect everything that I have in life, and to be patient with me. I'm a bit of a crazy girl to work with. Hehe.
Alright. Laundry's done. Time to get groceries...and then time for a long run at Cook Forest State Park.
Until next time... ;-)
Sunday, June 6, 2010
First Entry! :-D
Hi everyone!
My name is Jaime Wright. I'm 23. And I'm attending Clarion University of Pa. for graduated school in the Mass Media Arts and Journalism program. I'm also a former collegiate student-athlete. I competed all four years at Slippery Rock University (Clarion's rival in sports) in women's cross-country and track & field, and the pinnacle of my career came in 2008 when I earned All-American honors in women's cross-country (on my home cross-country course in snowy weather!).
I am currently the graduate assistant coach for Clarion University's women's track & field/cross-country program...it's interesting. I'm not sure if I really, really like it, but I really want to stay in the competitive running circuit and it's fun to explore this coaching thing.
What else would you like to know about me? Oh, I'm from Maryland...and it's weird whenever I have to explain that part because I am constantly meeting people from Pennsylvania..western Pa. I don't know if I ever get tired to explaining...but I LOVE meeting new people, so I think it's all good. 8-)
Besides my name, location, age, school and major...what else is there to know about me?
I was diagnosed with pyloric stenosis ("narrowing of pylorus muscle") when I was 18 days old. A rare medical condition that builds tissue in this "open-and-close" valve in the digestive system. Yes, I still have the scar above my bellybutton..to the right. Ha ha.
I chipped my front tooth, and a sliver of my other front tooth during 5th grade basketball practice...and I was calm about it all when I got home (except for my parents). Ha...uh, ha.
My parents separated in 2000, and got divorced in 2001. In the same year (2001) my parents got their divorce, my closest relative EVER, my grandmother Dotty Albaugh Wright (dad's mom) passed away from cancer...and at the funeral, at 14, I saw my dad cry for, nearly, the first time. She was an amazing woman. She went to church with my grandfather nearly every Sunday...taught Sunday School for 20-some years, and had strong church relations. I feel that her death somewhat contributed to my path and interest with the church (We're not Catholic, by the way...Protestant.) because I decided to go to service with my grandfather while he was coping with the loneliness.
I started competitively running at age 8. Before that, I did little league t-ball...and so did everyone's kid in Thurmont, Md. Other parents noticed how much I loved to run around the bases at practice, and mentioned it to my mom. Finally, in 2nd grade, my mom met my P.E. teacher after parent-teacher conferences outside in the parking lot, and suggested to take me to the local track club practices to try track. It kind of came together like it was meant to be.
I ran my first 5k (for fun) at Gettysburg Area High School at the first annual Jesse Martin Memorial Run Bench and Run 5k...and I can't remember what time I got, but some people were impressed. I was 10 years old at the time.
Since age 8, I have done everything on the track...well, not quite. The 100 meter dash, 200 meter, 400 meter, 800 meter, 1500 (at age 9/10), 3000 meter (college); 5,000 meter (college); 10,000 meter (college); long jump (age 8 - high school); triple jump (high school).
I was really good at the 400 and 800 meter at 10 years old, then I excelled at distance in high school thanks to a few ridiculous "coaches" in high school. High school track and cross-country was ridiculous...I was running with the boys with barely any girls...and those girls were ones I couldn't really train with. And those boys gave me the worse time in the world! They could have cared less about me, detering my self-esteem. But guess what? I didn't stop running just because they tormented me.
Coach Paul DuBois mentioned Slippery Rock for the first time at one of my senior high school practices, and I was curious to know what that was. I was hooked when he mentioned that he knew the coach. At that time, I was already going through many colleges, typically from Pennsylvania that were NCAA Division II. Why?
Shippensburg. I credit Shippensburg University and Coach Steve Spence for the help I received through track & field/cross-country camps and finding out about Division II athletics. They ignited the fire!
Somehow, I narrowed my college search down to Slippery Rock University, Shippensburg University and Clarion University. Clarion, unfortunately, was taken out because the head coach (at the time) retired, and a new coach stepped in...but how was I to know if he was going to be promising? Slippery Rock seemed like a great school to attend because the head coach had his feet planted and was not going anywhere, plus he had incredible credibility and a great sense of humor. The school itself was beautiful and everyone seemed happy...like a family I wanted to be a part of. Shippensburg was closer to home, but did I really want? After Slippery Rock mentioned a tuition break for out-of-state students who had 3.0 GPA or above, I had to ask Shippensburg's admissions people and Coach Spence, but they seemed clueless as to what I was asking about.
So, Slippery Rock it was! I had the best four years there of my life. I went to so many places across the country thanks to SRU Head Coach John Papa, and I wonder if I would have traveled to Alaska without Papa? (probably not)
Now, I'm back at Clarion University, and I want to help this women's track/cross-country program. I want to be the ladies' reliable and encouraging resource...but I'm learning that that is not the case. There is so much to realize to learn!
I'll let you know more in my next entry...Clarion University and Clarion, Pa. ...the what capital of the world, again? ;-) (autumn leaf, for your information)
- Jaime W.
My name is Jaime Wright. I'm 23. And I'm attending Clarion University of Pa. for graduated school in the Mass Media Arts and Journalism program. I'm also a former collegiate student-athlete. I competed all four years at Slippery Rock University (Clarion's rival in sports) in women's cross-country and track & field, and the pinnacle of my career came in 2008 when I earned All-American honors in women's cross-country (on my home cross-country course in snowy weather!).
I am currently the graduate assistant coach for Clarion University's women's track & field/cross-country program...it's interesting. I'm not sure if I really, really like it, but I really want to stay in the competitive running circuit and it's fun to explore this coaching thing.
What else would you like to know about me? Oh, I'm from Maryland...and it's weird whenever I have to explain that part because I am constantly meeting people from Pennsylvania..western Pa. I don't know if I ever get tired to explaining...but I LOVE meeting new people, so I think it's all good. 8-)
Besides my name, location, age, school and major...what else is there to know about me?
I was diagnosed with pyloric stenosis ("narrowing of pylorus muscle") when I was 18 days old. A rare medical condition that builds tissue in this "open-and-close" valve in the digestive system. Yes, I still have the scar above my bellybutton..to the right. Ha ha.
I chipped my front tooth, and a sliver of my other front tooth during 5th grade basketball practice...and I was calm about it all when I got home (except for my parents). Ha...uh, ha.
My parents separated in 2000, and got divorced in 2001. In the same year (2001) my parents got their divorce, my closest relative EVER, my grandmother Dotty Albaugh Wright (dad's mom) passed away from cancer...and at the funeral, at 14, I saw my dad cry for, nearly, the first time. She was an amazing woman. She went to church with my grandfather nearly every Sunday...taught Sunday School for 20-some years, and had strong church relations. I feel that her death somewhat contributed to my path and interest with the church (We're not Catholic, by the way...Protestant.) because I decided to go to service with my grandfather while he was coping with the loneliness.
I started competitively running at age 8. Before that, I did little league t-ball...and so did everyone's kid in Thurmont, Md. Other parents noticed how much I loved to run around the bases at practice, and mentioned it to my mom. Finally, in 2nd grade, my mom met my P.E. teacher after parent-teacher conferences outside in the parking lot, and suggested to take me to the local track club practices to try track. It kind of came together like it was meant to be.
I ran my first 5k (for fun) at Gettysburg Area High School at the first annual Jesse Martin Memorial Run Bench and Run 5k...and I can't remember what time I got, but some people were impressed. I was 10 years old at the time.
Since age 8, I have done everything on the track...well, not quite. The 100 meter dash, 200 meter, 400 meter, 800 meter, 1500 (at age 9/10), 3000 meter (college); 5,000 meter (college); 10,000 meter (college); long jump (age 8 - high school); triple jump (high school).
I was really good at the 400 and 800 meter at 10 years old, then I excelled at distance in high school thanks to a few ridiculous "coaches" in high school. High school track and cross-country was ridiculous...I was running with the boys with barely any girls...and those girls were ones I couldn't really train with. And those boys gave me the worse time in the world! They could have cared less about me, detering my self-esteem. But guess what? I didn't stop running just because they tormented me.
Coach Paul DuBois mentioned Slippery Rock for the first time at one of my senior high school practices, and I was curious to know what that was. I was hooked when he mentioned that he knew the coach. At that time, I was already going through many colleges, typically from Pennsylvania that were NCAA Division II. Why?
Shippensburg. I credit Shippensburg University and Coach Steve Spence for the help I received through track & field/cross-country camps and finding out about Division II athletics. They ignited the fire!
Somehow, I narrowed my college search down to Slippery Rock University, Shippensburg University and Clarion University. Clarion, unfortunately, was taken out because the head coach (at the time) retired, and a new coach stepped in...but how was I to know if he was going to be promising? Slippery Rock seemed like a great school to attend because the head coach had his feet planted and was not going anywhere, plus he had incredible credibility and a great sense of humor. The school itself was beautiful and everyone seemed happy...like a family I wanted to be a part of. Shippensburg was closer to home, but did I really want? After Slippery Rock mentioned a tuition break for out-of-state students who had 3.0 GPA or above, I had to ask Shippensburg's admissions people and Coach Spence, but they seemed clueless as to what I was asking about.
So, Slippery Rock it was! I had the best four years there of my life. I went to so many places across the country thanks to SRU Head Coach John Papa, and I wonder if I would have traveled to Alaska without Papa? (probably not)
Now, I'm back at Clarion University, and I want to help this women's track/cross-country program. I want to be the ladies' reliable and encouraging resource...but I'm learning that that is not the case. There is so much to realize to learn!
I'll let you know more in my next entry...Clarion University and Clarion, Pa. ...the what capital of the world, again? ;-) (autumn leaf, for your information)
- Jaime W.
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