Feeling better, I began preparing hordes of questions for the players and coach.

The next day, I headed down to Cumnock Field to watch the game. And a funny thing happened.

I got hooked.

I figured out the rules, and pretty soon I was emotionally involved in the game, rooting (inconspicuously, of course) for Harvard.

Still intimidated, I went and got my first interviews with the players and the coach. They were extremely accommodating, and I began to feel more confident as I interviewed further.

Getting back to The Crimson, I pecked out my first story. It took me two hours and it needed more help than the AL West.

Tarek was the story's savior. He patiently edited it, teaching me some basic stylistic points about sportswriting.

Use only two to three sentences per paragraph. Have a catchy lead.

Use good game details.

Since then, I've covered a whole plethora of sports, sports which I knew nothing about before my work here.

I also was given a column, an opportunity I'd never dreamed of having.

Most importantly, I've met a lot of fascinating people, both in the newsroom and on the fields.

I wouldn't trade the time I've spent here for anything. In all likelihood, I'll never have the chance to work for a daily paper again.

Between choosing concentrations, houses to enter in the lottery and extracurriculars, I've learned a lot about the value of being open-minded this year.

I hope I don't forget it.