Hello Vancity, I Can Speak Portuguese

Many years ago when I was in my all-girl band (with a male drummer), I learned an interesting lesson.

Our “managers,” the lead singer’s parents and my extended family, were very involved in the promotion of our band, and took their kids to casting calls of all kinds. They explained that you never say no, and you always say yes to opportunities, no matter what.

So for instance, they would joke that if they took their son to a casting call and the producers asked him if he could speak Portuguese, you say yes, go home and learn all of the Portuguese you can.

Of course it’s maybe not the smartest thing to do, but the moral of the story is to not close any doors.

One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2011 is to be fearless, meaning that I am going to strive to not shy away from any positive opportunities presented to me.

It was with this in mind, along with the fact that I recently completed an amazing two-week internship at 24 Hours Vancouver, that I decided to begin covering the Surrey Eagles Junior A hockey team for Vancity Sports Blog.

The founder of the site contacted me right at the beginning of January and pitched to me the chance to cover the team and submit articles on a regular basis.

I enjoy taking things on, and am looking to expand my journalism portfolio, so I gladly welcomed the opportunity.

It wasn’t until the day before the Eagles’ first home game of 2011 that it really hit me: I know absolutely nothing about hockey, apart from the basics, like how the players try and aim at the opposing team’s net, and they sometimes get the puck in.

The joke that you should tell potential employers whatever they want to hear, and then go home and learn it, became all too real…

Luckily, I know several people who are great sportswriters who have guided me while I’ve written two home game articles and one away game recap.

What have I learned?

Well, I’ve learned that I do like hockey, I’ve learned some lingo and I’ve learned that I should think things through before I commit several weeks to doing something I know nothing about. But all in all, I’m glad I took someone up on the chance to do something completely out of my comfort zone, and I do believe that I’m better for it.

Tweet me!

@HayleyWoodin

And check out my Surrey Eagles posts at Vancity Sports Blog or at the Surrey Eagles’ website.