I have missed writing. And often times I want to run to my blog and share what’s going on in my life. But the truth is, right now, there’s way too much going on!

My life has changed. I moved out. I left Chicago. I moved to New York! I’m working for a Minor League ballclub. And I’m on my “own” for the first time. So my life is definitely in a bit of a transition right now.

Things are changing, and being the new media geek that I am, I feel like my blog needs to change with it. So I’m saying goodbye to this blog and developing the plans for a new one. I want to be able to share my stories, experiences, and life with you guys, but it doesn’t seem right on this blog.

New beginnings. New blog. New me.

I’m not sure when it’ll all come about, but I promise you I’ll be blogging again.

Until then, you can find me Tweeting and blogging away for the Hudson Valley Renegades.

Thanks everyone! See you again soooon.

Now, I’m sure you’re all asking, “Cool Megan! How’d it happen?!” Well, let me tell you! Back in December I attended the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings. During the Meetings there are a ton of, well, meetings, trades are made, business is done, you know. In addition to Major League meetings, there is also the Professional Baseball Employment Opportunities (PBEO) Job Fair. I attended the job fair, had a few interviews, and ended up with an offer for a Social Networking Internship with the Hudson Valley Renegades. Social Media in baseball? Count me in! I was pretty excited, but I still had big internships with two great PR agencies in Chicago the next week. So for a while anyway, my dream to work in baseball had to be put on hold.

When I got back home from the Winter Meetings the excitement of it all started to fade and I began to think more realistically about things. With bills, college loans, and general expenses could I afford living in New York on just an interns pay? Plus, I like commitment. I like knowing I’m secure and somewhere longer than 6 months. One of the PR opportunities I was interviewing for was a full-time position working with an INCREDIBLE client. And yes, that deserved all caps. The opportunity would be once in a lifetime, plus I’d have that security. There was so much going through my head and I was beginning to worry that my dream of working in sports might not be so realistic after all.

But then everything changed..The Friday after I returned from the Winter Meetings I got a call from the Renegades GM. He asked me a few questions, we chatted, and then he said, “Well, the reason I’m asking these questions is because rather than an internship, we’d like to offer you a full-time position.” A full-time position? Excuse me?! I was speechless, which for me is a huge feat. And that’s when everything changed for me. I was being given the opportunity to work full-time in baseball and doing Social Media nonetheless! Perfect.

I continued to interview with the other PR agencies, but the truth is my mind was made up as soon as I got off the phone with the GM. Baseball was where I needed to be. Baseball was where I belonged. And so it is Beginning after the new year I will be joining the Hudson Valley Renegades as the Manager of New Media. I will be in charge of the creation and growth of Renegades marketing from the grassroots level in regards to social media and other unexplored outlets. In addition, I will be working closely with other departments to create a unified marketing message. Of course, I will have to put my cell phone down from time to time as pulling the tarp is part of everyone’s duties in the Minor Leagues. Ha. But I’m excited about that. I’m excited to learn about every department and truly immerse myself in baseball.

The Hudson Valley Renegades are an incredible organization and I have been blown away by the kindness they have shown me already. I look forward to the experiences I will have in New York and the growth it will provide me. I’m finally going to be living my dream and there’s nothing to stop you from living yours.

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Please check out the Hudson Valley Renegades and follow them on Twitter

Sam Bernabe, GM, Iowa Cubs
Mike Tamburro, President, Pawtucket Red Sox
Ken Young, President, Norfolk Tides

-Sam: Take the job as it’s offered to you. Don’t wait around.
-Mike: Sales is a perfect way to learn and get in the industry. Don’t be afraid of sales.
-Ken: Learn to accept rejection.
-Sam: Sales experience makes you more marketable. We don’t care how big a baseball fan you are, we want to know you’ll work hard.
-Ken: You’ve gotta do every job that’s there.
-Mike: As young people in the industry we want to see your creativity!

North Johnson, GM, Myrtle Beach Pelicans
“How to get a baseball job.”

–A is for attitude.
–B is for business.
–C is for crying: There’s no crying in baseball!; Also, Creative.
–D is for diginity: Leave it at the door!
–E is for effort: Show up ready to work!
–F is for focus.
–G is for grounds crew.
–H is for hours: Be prepared to work A LOT of hours!
–I is for intense.
–J is for just do what you’re told!
–K is for Kool-Aid: Just drink it!
–L is for loyalty.
–M is for mascot.
–N is for never comment on the weather or the length of the game.
–O is for overtime.
–P is for pocket schedules; Promotions; Passion.
–Q is for quitters.
–R is for rain.
–S is for slump buster.
–T is for taxi.
–U is for utility.
–V is for vacation.
–W is for wallet.
–X is for x-cellence.
–Y is for YouTube.
–Z is for zoo keeper.

Pat O’Conner, President & CEO, Minor League Baseball
“Positioning yourself for success.”

-“Luck is the residue of design.”
Prospects vs. Projects (You want to be a prospect!)
-Prospects understand the game; What it takes.
-Works hard.
-No job is too big or small.
-Projects take time to develop; Lack of get-up and go.
-“If you’re going to eat at the table, make sure you’re going to bring something to the table.”
-Within every problem there an opportunity.

-You have to be willing to work hard.
-Never take shortcuts.
-Peserverance, persistance & hard work.
-Create reputation as go-to person.
-Be honest; Size up abilities in terms of job requirements.
-Fully invest time & energy to organization & baseball.
-“The will to win is importance, the will to prepare is vital.”
-Ethics: Even the great are prone to fall. Ethics matter, listen to that little voice in your head when a decision needs to be made.
-Is it fair to all concerned? Is it the right thing to do? –> Ask yourself when making decisions.
-Listening is an art & acquired skill. “You have two ears & one mouth for a reason.”

Develop a Network
-Single most effective tool for career growth.
-Do not abuse network.
-Work with your network & cultivate the relationships.
-Be honest with yourself & those in your network.
-Respect profession.
-Invest in development of network.
-Keep quality people & be a quality person.
-If you are not known to listen to your network, then your network will stop talking to you.
-Develop listening skills.

Pat O’Conner’s Pearls of Wisdom
-Don’t dance on tables.
-Know who your friends are.
-It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
-Act like you know what you’re doing & they won’t know the difference.

Manny Colon, Assistant, Player Development, Florida Marlins
“Player Development & Minor League Baseball.”

-Be willing to do whatever it takes to finish all tasks set forth your way.
-Realize the patience & dedication needed to advance in this industry.
-Be able to communicate.
-Have passion.
-Network, network!
-Have fun

Katie Dannemiller, VP Baseball Operations, Greensboro Grasshoppers
“Baseball as a Career: Become a Front Office Five-Tool Player.”

What you need to succeed:
-Understanding
-Passion
-Teamwork
-Be humble
-Hoppin fun

Steps to help make baseball your career:
-Don’t let technology get in your way.
-Don’t forget the beauty of a handwritten note.
-Proofread.

“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.” -Erich Fromm

Today was the first day of the PBEO Job Fair. The Business of Baseball Workshop gave us a wonderful look into the real life experiences of Minor League Baseball. While it was a long day, I left filled with information about Minor League Baseball and hope to share it with you here.

This won’t be a normal blog post, but I think many of you, particularly those searching for jobs in sports, will find this information very valuable. I apologize for the length, but they shared plenty of information with us. Later in the week I will add some links and contact information for your reference. Also, some of the information may not make sense as it only pertains to the PBEO Job Fair. Enjoy

Business of Baseball Workshop

Dr. Susan Foster, Professor Saint Leo University & President of Sport Business Consulting, Inc.
“So you want to work in the sports industry?”

-It’s not who you know, but who knows you!
-Sell your SPORT experience vs. just your work experience.
-Even if you don’t have sport experience, SELL IT! i.e. If you work at a bank you probably have good customer service skills, deal with clients, sales, etc.
Networking & Using Connections
-Invite someone to lunch for informational interview
-Socials and dinners –>Introduce yourself!
The Interview
-Treat each one as THE most important position. Even if it’s not your dream position.
-Answer questions fully, but don’t ramble.
-Always have at least 2 good questions.
-Study their website.
Phone Interviews
-Treat as if interviewer is in the room with you.
-Some say still dress the part.
-Prepare, prepare, prepare.
All Interviews
-Send an e-mail & drop a personalized note to interviewer(s).
The Cover Letter
-Tell them the exact position you are applying for.
-You are APPLYING, not inquiring or other words.
-Eliminate the flowery stuff.
-Don’t tell them you’re a fan. Teams want you to work hard, not get distracted by your favorite ball player.
-Skills, sell yourself.
4 P’s of Marketing
-Product
-Promote
-Price: Unpaid, minimum wage,housing, parking??
-Place: Where are you willing to go? What price are you willing to pay?

Martie Cordaro, General Manager, Omaha Royals
“It’s about passion and effort.”

-“I don’t have a job, I don’t have a career, I have a passion!”
-You should be willing to do anything.
-Ask the direct question: Will I be learning while I’m working or will I be just another body?
-It’s about effort! Believing in what your organization is doing. Put yourself out there!

Rob Crain, Assistant GM, Marketing, Omaha Royals
“Expect the unexpected!”

-Find a mentor!
Monday:
-Get to love the Job Postings Room.
-Don’t get caught up in your “fan-hood.” For example, if you’re a die-hard Cubs fan, don’t be opposed to applying with the White Sox.
-Come with an openmind. Apply for jobs outside your home town.
-Apply for a lot of jobs.
-You must be willing to sell.
-Relax. Don’t stress. Hard decisions come later.
-Go out tonight.
Tuesday:
-Get to love the Interview Posting Room.
-Keep an eye on Interview Posting Room.
-Not your normal interview.
-This is a “get to know you” discussion.
-Get to know people, both other job seekers & the employers.
-Go out again!
Wednesday: “Today is the Day”
-Second interviews & second guesses.
-Go to the Gala!
-Go to the bar after the gala, you never know who you’re going to meet!
Thursday:
-Don’t be afraid to take a risk.
-Make the best decision for YOU.
-Take a look back & reflect.

Rob Zerjav, General Manager, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
“Working in sports: How can I make that happen?

L.E.A.D.
Long range planning
-Decide what you want to be
-Research careers
-Map out your path
-Degree
Experience
-Internship is of utmost importance
-Be familiar with team, venue, product
-Start as a game day employee
Attitude
-Positive, positive, positive
-Outgoing
-Go above and beyond
-Strong work ethic
Desire
-Don’t give up on your dream
-Continuous learning
-Be passionate
-Dedication

So that’s a lot so far and I still have 5 pages of notes to type up! I’ll post the rest tomorrow or throughout the week

During our late night conversation, besides the fact that my parents want me out of the house (ha), I learned that parents may not necessarily understand what makes up GenY.

At this point in my job search I’m being pushed to accept any job offer that comes my way. And while my wallet is more easily persuaded to do so, something in me just can’t do it.

You see, I’ve never seen GenY as entitled. We don’t expect things to be handed to us. We don’t think we deserve more than others. On the contrary, it’s that we have high expectations of ourselves.

The thing I’ve learned about GenY is that we refuse to settle. We’ve been taught to set goals, to reach those goals, and to follow our dreams. Its engraved in us to be the absolute best we can be. So the idea of settling leaves a horrible taste in my mouth.

So where do I go from here? How do we explain to our parents who GenY is?

I was born bleeding Cubbie blue. Cheering on the Yankees or Dodgers was never an option. It was embedded in me like DNA. I had brown hair, green eyes and I was a Cubs fan. At a young age the charm and personality of the Cubs got me and I watched more Cubs games than I did cartoons. The first time I entered Wrigley Field, my fate was sealed. The atmosphere, the sounds, the tastes and smells, the ivy covered walls and the old-school scoreboard. It was enchanting and my heart still skips a beat every time I return. The Chicago Cubs have a power over me that words can’t describe. It’s a love, a passion, a union that only Cubs fans can understand. They can give me the ultimate high, but have the power to bring me to indescribable lows.Cubs

I was sitting in section 205 on October 14, 2003 as the Cubs were 5 outs away from making it to the World Series for the first time since 1945. In my face paint, handmade Cubs shirt and Cubs print pants; I hid behind my hands too nervous to watch. Hiding was a good idea. With 5 outs to go, Moises Alou lost a foul ball to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Alex Gonzalez let a ball go through his legs, Mark Prior imploded, and the Florida Marlins went on to score 8 runs. All with 5 outs to go! This wasn’t the only time the Cubs were the reason I cried for hours. Being a Cubs fan means enjoying the highs, but expecting the lows. People ask me constantly, “Why are you a Cubs fan?” Why? Why do I cheer on a team that hasn’t won a World Series since 1908? Why do I support an effort that is 101 years in the making? Why do I constantly set myself up for disappointment? I had no choice. I was destined to be a Cubs fan. And while my mom constantly reminds me “Why do you love them so much? They don’t give anything back to you!” I know that’s not true. The Cubs have taught me the importance of loyalty, dedication and persistence. Being a Cubs fan has prepared me for anything and given me invaluable skills I use daily. Sure I’d like a World Series ring, but a few, good life lessons will do for now.

“If at first you don’t succeed..”

We’ve all heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect.” The great thing about this saying is that it can be applied to anything we do in life from playing sports to landing that perfect job. Practice is the key to success and is something that even the most talented athlete does daily. After an 8-game winning streak the Cubs won’t cancel drills just because they’re doing well and a player won’t just hang out in the clubhouse during practice if he’s batting .380 in June. The best keep going. They keep practicing. They keep honing their skills. They try each and every day to better the athlete they were yesterday. Texas Ranger pitcher CJ Wilson said, “We practice every day despite having played the same basic game for over 20 years…Think about how weird that is!”

The same applies to the job search. It is rare to find someone who wakes up one morning and is just naturally good at interviewing. It’s a skill and something we need to practice. Rehearse answering important questions in the mirror, set up mock interviews with family or educators, research keys to successful interviews and go on actual interviews as often as you can. My friend Sarah recently went on an interview with a company that she didn’t know much about. While she was apprehensive at first she saw it as an opportunity for practice. The interview only lasted two minutes, but the point was that she gained more experience and knowledge through it. No harm there, right? You can’t win every game, nor can you knock every interview out of the park, it takes practice, dedication, and persistence. Someday I will have the home run of all interviews and land that perfect job, but until then practice makes perfect.

Perseverance “Yet we still believe it’s gonna happen. Maybe this year, maybe next year, maybe in 50 years. We’ll wait.”- No Love Lost, ESPN

Sports have taught me some important life lessons including, dedication, preparation, practice, experience, and persistence. However, I feel this last lesson is truly the most important; perseverance. It was Wednesday, October 14, 1908 the last time the Chicago Cubs won a World Series. 101 years ago. Chicago fans are constantly reminded of it and the players are too. Yet at every Chicago Cubs home game you’ll be pressed to find an empty seat, the crowd will be cheering louder than even the day before and the players will sprint out there with one goal in mind; win. The Chicago Cubs understand the definition of perseverance. They eat, sleep and breathe it. Regardless of any obstacles, the cynics or their history, the Cubs know that one day they will win the World Series and until then the only thing they can do is put everything they have into every game they play.

The truth is, the job search can be exhausting. Constantly being told “no” by companies can take its toll. And being turned down for positions you’ve dreamed about can be heart breaking. I know, because the Cubs still haven’t offered me an interview. Regardless, the important thing is to keep going. Never take no for an answer and never accept failure. My dream is to work in sports and I won’t stop until that dream becomes a reality. A baseball player doesn’t quit after going 0-for-4 in an important game and neither will I. Now, let’s play ball!

If you’re a Cubs fan, live in Chicago, or simply watch ESPN, then you know today is quickly becoming “Controversial Thursday.”

If you’re listening to Chicago sports radio, I’m sure you’ve heard your fill of Bradley’s recent lash-out. In a post-game interview on Tuesday, Bradley mentioned that he looks forward to time with his family where he can avoid the hatred. The hatred? When asked about it Bradley said the hatred is everywhere, even when he’s eating at a restaurant. He then went on to accuse Cubs fans of being rascist, but was unable to provide specific examples. But it was this line that really got me, “All I’m saying is I pray the game is nine innings, so I can go out there the least amount of time possible and go home.” (Carrie Muskat, Cubs.com) That’s it Milton. That’s how you’ll gain the respect of Chicago. That’s how you’ll stop the so-called “hatred.” Make the least possible effort, and complain while you’re doing it.

As a life-long Cubs fan, I take offense to players being disrespectful, not making an effort, complaining, or talking trash about the team or fans. If you want respect, you have to GIVE respect. I’m tired of punks putting on the uniform and making a spectacle of it. With that being said, these personal opinions were exactly what started an interesting discussion with @MikeProper during last night’s Cubs-Nationals game. Below are the comments from both of us..

@MOgulnick: I don’t care how often he gets on base. He’s disrespectful and he doesn’t deserve to wear that jersey. Ugh.
@MikeProper: Disrespectful? When, since the day he was signed, did ANYONE in Chicago show him any respect? Why should he show any in return?
@MikeProper: As someone who’s interested in sports PR, I thought you’d understand that Bradley’s “persona” is a creation of the media.
@MikeProper: He was a scapegoat from Day 1.
@MOgulnick: Ok, has that been the case everywhere he’s gone? Is that why he’s been on 7 teams? Has the “Them against me” theme ever changed?
@MikeProper: Has any media market let it change or have they constantly pushed for it happen?
@MikeProper: As SOON as he arrived there were dozens of articles about how he’s a cancer.
@MOgulnick: And I won’t deny that, but bc that’s his history! They’re just reporting the truth. It was up to HIM to dispel it, not them.
@MikeProper:You can’t dispel something when you are never given a chance. He’s in an endless cycle.
@MOgulnick: Well then we’ll agree to disagree. Milton created this. Not the media. He can dispel it whenever he wants.
@MOgulnick: He’s only reinforced everything the media has ever said about him.
@MikeProper: Is he mature? Of course not. Does that mean he deserves all the negativity? Definitely not.
@MikeProper: I’m sorry but I can’t accept the notion that “the ends justify the means” when it comes to this kind of irresponsible journalism
@MikeProper: The media is a powerful tool, and it was used to bring a man down from his first day in Chicago, and I think that’s sick.
@MOgulnick: And in Montreal? And Cleveland? And Los Angeles? And Oakland? And San Diego? And Texas?
@MikeProper: So he got a bad reputation early in his career (and that didn’t even come out until L.A.) ….
@MikeProper: and then he was given zero chance to live it down…. yeah very fair

So, where do we stand on this? Was he given a chance to live it down? I will agree with Mike’s points that the media is a powerful tool and often focuses on the negative. But as a friend of mine said, in this case I believe it was Milton who created his “persona,” the media only magnified it. And this isn’t only the case in Chicago. Milton has had issues with the media and fans before. Yes, Chicago media is magnifying his reputation and has been since day 1. However, just because the papers say he’s a “cancer” doesn’t mean he HAS to be one. By making disrespectful comments, rude hand gestures to the fans, and generally not caring, he’s only perpetuating everything the media has ever said about him.

Yes, I agree that it’s disrespectful of the fans to boo Bradley even when he gets a base hit, but I also know that Cubs fans are unwavering in their devotion to their team. We want nothing more than to embrace our players, but at the same time will take it personally if a player doesn’t show respect. If you’re playing well, we’ll support you. If you’re not, then you might get booed. But that’s baseball. That’s how it is for professional athletes. You can’t take it personally. Personally, I think his behavior over the past few days has all but written his ticket out of here, but I look forward to seeing his reactions in the future.

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So what do you think? Does a player create his persona, or does the media? Can an athlete change his reputation, or is he stuck in an endless cycle? How do you feel about Bradley? How do you feel about the conversation above? Does respect have to be earned? Is an athlete with weak character worth having on a team? Would love your thoughts!

Thank you to BleacherNation.com for the above image.

Baseball is one of the most superstitious games in the world. Players may say you make your own luck, but watch that same player as he makes an effort not to step on the foul line. Between eating fried chicken before every game, taking batting practice in multiples of 3 or wearing the same warm-up jacket before each start, baseball players have numerous ways they get ready for a game. Of course, not all of them have to do with superstitions. I met Ryan Dempster, starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, in Texas during a 3-game series against the Texas Rangers. Since my uncle works for the team I got to be in the park before everyone else. Regardless of the scorching heat, Dempster ran bleachers around the entire stadium before each game. Just one of the ways he prepares. Whether it’s taking batting practice or watching film, baseball players do whatever they can to fully prepare for each and every game.

This same attitude can be applied to the job search. Sure you won’t find me eating fried chicken before every interview, but I do have my set ways of preparing. Here are some steps I take in preparing for an interview:

1. Research: As soon as I have an interview set up, I make it my goal to find out as much as possible about the company. Look on the web, ask friends, ask family or anyone you may know in the industry. It is important to know the company’s reputation, objectives, values and goals. Know their brands, products and important clients. The more you know about the company, the better equipped you’ll be to customize your answers. Interviewers will be impressed with your knowledge of the organization and it will show your dedication to the position.

2. Review Your Qualifications: You know how great you are, but it’s important to be able to articulate that. Before going into an interview think about the skills necessary to succeed in this position. Do you need to be organized, have good time management, have good writing skills or be good with people? Now, customize your own skill set to the position you are applying for. In addition, be able to articulate how you have put those skills in action recently. Use examples to prove your point and demonstrate your skill set.

3. Prepare Questions: The job seeker isn’t necessarily the only one being interviewed. It is important for the interviewee to ask questions as well to see if the company is a good match. Before heading to an interview prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Examples of these are, “What are the responsibilities of the position?”, “What qualifications or skills are you looking for this person to hold?” and “What are the goals for this position?”. Interviewers will evaluate you not only on your answers to their questions, but also the questions you ask them. I try to prepare at least 5 questions prior to each interview.

4. Be Prepared!: I know this seems obvious, but this is key. Besides what I discussed above, also make sure to have extra copies of your resume, have your portfolio prepared (or multiple copies if you’d like to leave a few behind) and have your outfit ironed and ready the day before. Know exactly where you are going and allow enough time to purchase train tickets, get gas or take the bus to wherever the interview is. Don’t wait until the last minute to get everything organized. You want to have a clear head going into the interview and being prepared ahead of time will help you with that.

I recently spoke with CJ Wilson, a relief pitcher for the Texas Rangers, about preparing for games. “The key is to focus on the process of what makes you successful. We make a routine where we do stuff in the same order so that our minds and bodies have all the tools needed to go out and do the job.” If you’re a real sports fan you know what you need to do to succeed. We see and hear about it everyday. Players taking batting practice, pitchers having a catch on their off-days, teams watching film before an upcoming game. Whether in sports or in your job search, if you prepare properly you’ll have all the tools necessary to succeed. I’ve always been complimented on my interviews and that’s because I follow the steps I laid out above. I research, I prepare and I set myself up for success.

Whether you’re a baseball player or recent college graduate, preparation is key.

Have you used preparation tactics similar to these? What do you do to prepare for interviews? What do you find successful? And what has baseball, or any sport, taught you about the job search? Would love to hear your thoughts!

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A couple of weeks ago a good friend of mine, @SarahKettler, suggested I read Just Who Will You Be? by Maria Shriver. I love a new book and I needed something to take my mind off of the adventure that is my current job hunt. So I said, “Why not?” and swiped my library card one more time. I didn’t know what exactly to expect from the book. It was small, both in size and length. Sarah had raved about it, but I wondered how life-changing a book could be in 91 pages. I sit here eating my words. Just Who Will You Be? is a beautiful, heartfelt story of Maria’s personal journey in finding out just who she is. An invitation to speak at a high school graduation ignited Maria’s own quest to find out who she was, who she had been, and who she wanted to be. The book details her difficulties in deciding on a topic to speak about. After all, even a Kennedy needs to be persuaded that their story is worth telling. In the end, Maria gives a moving and genuine speech concluding with her own poem entitled, “Just Who Will You Be?”

Tonight I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the launch of Sevans Strategy founded by the incredible @PRSarahEvans. As I stepped out from behind the laptop and phone for awhile I made sure to look and listen as people of all types came together. I mingled, caught up with folks I’d previously met and introduced myself to some new faces. However, regardless of when I’d met them, one common question kept being asked; “what do you do?” What do I do? Well, right now I sit at home applying for jobs, writing blog posts and networking like I should get paid for it. But that’s not really what they wanted to know. So maybe, “What do you want to do?” But even that question leaves for so many possible answers. As the night wore on, I felt so limited by the questions being asked. Okay, well, I’m Megan, I graduated in 2008 from EIU, I interned with the Chicago Blackhawks and Weber Shandwick. Those are basically the answers to every question I was asked. But what does that say? What does that tell you about me? At times I longed to delve deeper into conversations, to really learn about the person, but it always went back to their career or social media or something of the sorts. Don’t get me wrong, the night was a great success and I met some incredible people, but the experience had me questioning a lot. A lot about myself. A lot about “what I do.” And a lot about what I want to do.

Before leaving the house this evening, as I threw my business cards and lip gloss into my purse, Maria Shrivers little book of answers caught my eye. “It’s going to be a long train ride,” I thought, “Might as well have something to read.” And while many people despise that 75 minute train ride, sometimes life means for you to miss an earlier train so you’re forced to take time to just…breathe. As I sat alone on the train, tired and hungry, I began to read and began to see things much clearer. My whole life I’ve been asked, “What do you want to be?” Well, a ballerina, obviously What do I want to be? Throughout high school and college that answer changed constantly. And since then I’ve been many things, I’ve worn many hats, and I’ve had many dreams. But the truth is, what I am now or what I was then is only a small part of what I will be in the future. Of who I will be in the future. Because tonight after reading Maria’s book in its entirety, I realized that the important thing isn’t what I do, or what I want to be..It’s who will I be. What kind of human being will I be? Will I help others or serve only myself? Will I cherish money and belongings or family, friends, and relationships? As I met new friends tonight I wish they had asked these questions. Because what I do in no way defines who I am.

I am grateful that I had that extra time on the train to read all of Just Who Will You Be?, because I’ve realized a few things. I’ve realized that the expectations others have of me, aren’t nearly as important as the expectations I have of myself. I’ve realized that in order to truly be happy, I need to follow my heart and my passions. And I’ve realized that above all things, the most important question to ask myself is “Who will I be?” So as I continue this journey in finding my rightful place in this world, I look forward to meeting the who I will become.

Megan, meet Megan.

There will definitely be more to come regarding this post! However, since it’s 1:20am I should probably be getting to sleep

Lately, however, I find myself questioning that.

Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz are the latest names released that are among the list of roughly 100 players that tested positive in 2003. They find themselves among Sammy Sosa, Alex Rodriguez and more. The truth is, I’m not surprised. The MLB is dropping names of players that many have assumed were using enhancing drugs. My problem with all of this is the effect that it’s having on Major League Baseball. Steroid use is tainting baseball. It’s taking away the charm and grandeur of the game. It’s taking away my admiration for some of the players I’ve respected since I was young. I know there was and still is steroid use, but I need to stop hearing about it in order for my respect for the sport to resume.

We all know that the infamous list is out there, but by leaking the names one by one we are constantly being reminded of the dark side of baseball. I’m constantly being reminded that maybe not all of baseball is genuine. Leaking the names one by one is damaging to baseball’s reputation. And I personally don’t want to see my sport hurt like that.

So what now? Should players pay for what they did in 2003? Is their name being released damage enough? Should all the names be released at once? My heart is hurting for the game right now and something needs to be done about it..For the love of the game..