Like most things in my life, I did this backwards. I read the Harry Potter series backwards, the seventh book first and the first book last. Like Harry Potter, I wrote my first column before writing an introduction of any kind.
To give readers a little context, I’m Eli. My dad has run the NRHEG Star Eagle for most of my life. Before that he worked for the Tribune in Albert Lea. I started working here the summer before my junior year at NRHEG High School.
Summer 2014 was an interesting time of my life. Prior to this I never had a job. I remember going to work for my first day and my mom was literally surprised that I showed up at 9 a.m. Not just that I showed up in the morning but surprised that I showed up at all. We talked about it and my parents were both eager to see me continue in the family business, but neither of them expected me to show any interest in working.
It was a Monday, the second week of summer, and I realized during that first week that it was going to be a boring one if I didn’t get any money. Gas is not free and I wasn’t going to walk, and so began a working life.
My first week was eye opening. Like I said, I had never worked before and I didn’t realize how little work is actually done during certain days of the week. Of course there were definitely some hectic days where stuff needed to get done. One of those times occurred during that first month, specifically at the end of that month, during which statements needed to get mailed. I can distinctly remember my mom telling me that I needed to stay until every last statement was mailed, even if everyone else had gone home. It was a lot different from the first days of the month where often times I would get sent home early, a couple hours before closing.
Fast forward and four years later I’m sitting in my office chair beginning my career in writing. I’m currently attending school at South Central University in Mankato and so far I’ve had almost nothing but great experiences. I was honored to receive an invitation to the National Honor Society (which I accepted) and I also made the Presidents List in my first semester.
I’m currently going to school to complete my generals, after which I plan to transfer to Mankato State to continue my education. Today I am continuing to work as an Editorial Assistant at the Star Eagle. My responsibilities have expanded a lot since my first year way back in 2014.