In 1986, I decided to attend Broward College along with my best friend, Juanita, to study journalism. We both started the same semester and took some of the same classes. We both joined the College Newspaper staff. Juanita became the Central Campus Editor in chief. I was the production editor for Central Campus as well.
We joined the year Broward College decided to combine its newspapers from its three campuses: North, Central, and South. So our first assignment was to join in the renaming of the College newspaper. We said our goodbyes to The Phoenix, New Horizons, and Polaris and became The Observer.
It’s interesting to learn how Juanita and I got here. At the time, we worked at the United States Post Office as distribution clerks. Juanita was diagnosed with Lupus and was not able keep working, so she went on disability. Juanita was well read and educated and always wanted to write. She even started to write her own book a murder mystery staged at the Post Office. After her diagnosis, she became very discouraged. I then suggested she return to College and take a few courses that were not too taxing on her health. After much prodding she finally agreed. I encouraged myself to return to College as well.
The Observer Newspaper soon became a quality newspaper, winning several awards. The staff were invited to attend a National College Newspaper Conference in Washington, D.C.
We had some incredible adventures while at the conference. We got to stay at a swanky hotel near the Capitol. Soon, there were rumors. The students moved the giant pumpkin. It was around Halloween. They took it from the lobby to another location. All in fun!
Juanita and I shared a room at the hotel, which soon became the crew’s central hangout hub. We talked until the wee hours. I fell asleep and was swaddled like a baby! Juanita said that I was singing in my sleep.
We had a fabulous time at the College Newspaper. We learned a lot, laughed, and made terrific friends.
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