Stroll Down College Memory Lane

My college newspaper celebrates its 100 year anniversary in 2016. My department put out an open call for some of our prominent memories while we were on staff at the paper. We're to submit a 250-350 word anecdote to be used as part of an interactive timeline. Here's mine:

The Mustang Daily diligently reported about important issues and prominent people of our time, even as fledgling student writers. Dennis Peron was my first notable interview. He was a legend in San Francisco politics as well as a close friend and political associate of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man on the city board of supervisors. Peron was also an avid AIDS activist, author of the successful California Proposition 215 (which legalized medical marijuana in the state and ignited a national movement) and a Republican candidate for California Governor.

Peron was expected at the October 1997 San Luis Obispo County hemp rally to promote the herb’s compassionate medical use as well as his candidacy for governor. I called him at his San Francisco home to make an introduction ahead of the event. Peron appeared to be really won over by this and he was instantly disarmed. He completely opened up to me, sharing very personally about his life partner who died of AIDS as well as the horrors he experienced on the battle field during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. I listened intently. In this moment I stopped being a student and started being a journalist. This is what Cal Poly’s “learn by doing” philosophy is all about.

Reporters from practically every news outlet in the region were at the rally to report on it and grab a few quotes/actualities from Peron about his gubernatorial campaign. When I greeted Peron, he regarded me as though we had been long time friends. He spoke to me exclusively and refused to give any other reporter an interview at that time. All cameras were turned on us sitting on the county courthouse lawn where we talked. All the while I feverishly scribbled notes onto my reporter’s pad, trying to maintain as natural a conversation flow as possible. That was a thrill. Having earned Peron’s trust and respect, especially as an inexperienced student, was priceless.

Never underestimate the power of human connection. Forming relationships is fundamental to success. No one does it all on their own. This will make all the difference wherever you steer your career.