Opinion: Happy birthday, Michael

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.

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

Opinion: Is adulting fun?

By Michael Glenn

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Today, I turn 18 years old. 

If you’re reading this the day it was published, today, March 30, 2025 is the first day of my adulthood. 

To be honest, I don’t feel any different. Turning 18 is awkward. You’re an adult, but don’t get the legal right to do anything like an adult would. 

I looked up a list of things I can do now that I’m 18, and here are some of the highlights:

• Vote (this one’s important, I’ve already registered in advance)
• Play the lottery
• Enlist in the military (this also requires me to sign up for the Selective Service system)
• File a lawsuit
• Open a brokerage account/play the stock market
• Body modifications (piercings/tattoos) 
• Buy spraypaint
• Use a meat slicer working at the deli in a grocery store

Very fun! I’m glad to know I can get drafted to serve in the military at any time over the next eight years! But heaven forbid I buy a beer or smoke a joint (well, that second one is a rule for everyone, unfortunately).

Regardless, turning 18 is an important milestone in my life. It’s the marker that I am responsible for my own choices, and with that comes freedom and responsibility. 

I feel like I’ve gotten a slice of adulthood from being a part of this publication. I’ve had to deal with payroll, taxes, interviewing adults and writing to an adult audience. I’ve had a lot of fun with this job and plan on continuing providing quality journalism to the Hutchinson community through the rest of the school year and into the summer. 

I’ve also been told I act like an adult long, long before I actually became one. For example, I’m listening to “Rubber Soul” by The Beatles on vinyl as I write this. I picked it up from Permanent Records (not a plug for the store, but check it out if you’re into music!) and continue to pick up Beatles albums. They’re my favorite band. 

Here’s my Beatles (and their solo careers) collection as of now: 

• Rubber Soul (Beatles)
• Revolver (Beatles)
• Magical Mystery Tour (Beatles)
• White Album (Beatles)
• Abbey Road (Beatles)
• 1 (Beatles)
• The Beatles: 1967-1970 (Beatles)
• Red Rose Speedway (McCartney)
• Tug of War (McCartney)
• Ringo (Starr)
• Goodnight Vienna (Starr)
• Ringo’s Rotogravure (Starr)

You’d be surprised how many young people around my age listen to The Beatles. But, I bet most people would still associate them with the older generations.

As I prepare for college and living on my own, I’m looking forward to seeing what adulthood brings. It’s a huge step that I feel like I’m ready to successfully make.

Thank you for your support of The Hutchinson Tribune and of me. I’ve been very grateful for this opportunity, and I hope you continue supporting us and our mission of brining local news to our community. 

By Michael Glenn Today, I turn 18 years old.  If you’re reading this the day it was published, today, March 30, 2025 is the first day of my adulthood.  To be honest, I don’t feel any different. Turning 18 is awkward. You’re an adult, but don’t get the