By Gina Long
Happy 18th birthday, Michael.
After our editorial meeting on Saturday, I spent the rest of the day reminiscing about the fantastic journey you have already taken and the incredible road ahead of you.
I remember the first time we were formally introduced at the philosophy book club at Crow & Co in January 2023. I was impressed that a high school student involved in so many extracurricular activities would fit deep discussions about Pascal, Nietzsche, Satre and Camus into his overcrowded schedule was impressive, especially because you read the material and applied the ideas to what you had learned about and observed in the community and the wider world.
I remember after our book discussion in May, you approached me and asked, “Do you want to start a local newspaper?”
That simple question led to more significant discussions about our focus and the “rules” for the publication. Then, we got into the details of choosing a name, structuring the business model, finding stories, writing, setting up our editorial calendar, hiring contractors, and payment and website maintenance.
Many of our early editorial meetings were held at McDonald’s because it was the only food we could afford, they were open late, and they had free Wi-Fi.
You made state and national news, appearing on the video blog of the owner and publisher of Editor & Publisher magazine, KCUR and, most recently, “Hatteberg’s People.” You lectured to journalism classes at Hutchinson Community College and the University of Kansas. We gave a presentation for Talk20 Hutch. We won several awards from the Kansas Press Association last year and will soon find out if we won more this year. You have presented to many local organizations and fraternal orders.
It has been a whirlwind.
You have stayed on top of everything with impressive time and energy management, keeping up with your classroom work and many commitments and extracurriculars while running a business, one you will sell at a profit before you receive your high school diploma. Not many college freshmen can claim that on their university application.
So, as you turn 18 today, please allow me to impart some wisdom I have learned over the years:
- Vote in every election. I know that you are already registered, but vote in EVERY election because your vote matters
- If someone offers you something out of kindness, take it graciously. Based on this rule, I experienced many interesting food, music and cultural traditions in college and while abroad. It got me out of my comfort zone and taught me that even the simplest gestures carry a positive impact.
- If it is not on sale, don’t buy it. You are familiar with this rule already, but in college, it could mean not going hungry at the end of the month when the budget gets tight.
- When a professor asks you to dinner, especially in their home, take them up on the opportunity and ask what you can bring. Even if they say “nothing,” get something. Flowers are nice. Write a thank you note and deliver it in person the following day.
- Travel abroad if you have the opportunity. Travel teaches economy, diplomacy, patience and appreciation. Try to learn at least a few phrases. “Please” and “Thank you” cross many cultural barriers.
- Get involved with on-campus activities. Go to a few sporting events. Attend guest lectures. Drop by the student art gallery frequently. Thank people for what they do. Schedule your study times and stick with it so that you’re not trapped in the campus library or your dorm room every night catching up your homework.
- Surround yourself with friends from different backgrounds and points of view. It is almost impossible to cultivate critical thinking skills and empathy in a silo.
- Learn the Rock Chalk Jayhawk chant. I will quiz you.
- Finally, as you look forward to where you are going, take a few moments regularly to pause, look back and see how far you have come.
Happy birthday. I cannot wait to see what lies ahead.
