Overcoming Fears ... Through a Board Meeting?

Somehow, I made it through my college journalism education without ever covering a board meeting, council meeting or some sort of decision-making meeting.

It’s strange, because I was a news-editorial major. Then again, it’s not so strange because I trained as a copy editor more than a reporter.

Anyway, the Village of Oak Park board meeting on Monday night was pretty much as I expected, though I had no idea how much time could be spent talking about beekeeping.

That’s a topic I had never given much thought to – other than, “Oh, yeah, that’s something that some people like to do.” Many of the aspects discussed, including flyaway barriers, roof-top hives, swarms and pollination, were thoroughly talked about by board members, board of health members and beekeeping enthusiasts.

Who knew there were that many aspects of beekeeping to think about when approving the recommendation to draft an ordinance? I definitely didn’t. I especially didn’t think nearly two hours could be spent on the topic.

It was good to get a crash course in how a board meeting runs, in addition to the crash course I’m getting reporting for Patch. This may seem counterintuitive, but I’m naturally shy and have a hard time going up to people I don’t know and talking with them.

So, why pick journalism, a field where it’s likely I’ll have to talk to strangers? That’s easy – it’s always different, every day. If you’re easily bored, journalism is a great field, because each day is different. Even if you are an editor or designer at a desk in a newsroom, you don’t read, edit or design the same thing each day.

Once I’m comfortable around someone, I’ll talk his or her ear off. I discussed this topic with my friend from college, David, who graduated from my alma mater Ball State University in May, and is now an art department intern at The Oklahoman. He’s also one of the funniest people I know.

He remarked that he’s had people tell him that they thought he was a jerk at first because he didn’t talk a lot when he initially met them. I’m afraid that’s also the first impression people get when they meet me.

At least, I’m aware of it and working on it. So, once again, if you see me out and about in Oak Park (I’ve got a Patch sticker on the laptop now, so I’m more visible), I’m not a jerk (pinky promise!), just a little shy.

I promise to talk to you until your ears fall off once we get a conversation going.