I have many fond memories from my three plus years in ski journalism. As I look through my iPhoto library, I'm reminded of all the great times I've had and how very fortunate I am. Many complain about the lack of money in the ski industry(me too) but if you ask anyone of those complainers if they would do it for free, without pay, just to live the lifestyle, I'm positive many of them would answer with a simple, 'Yes."

I started my internship with a local newspaper today. First days are always fun. Everyone at work did there very best to make me feel welcome. To be honest, I couldn’t have picked a worse day to start. Our paper goes to print Tuesday nights so naturally Tuesday can be a hectic day without the addition of a new intern and a long weekend added to the mix. Thankfully, I was given a desk, a few meager assignments, and a chatty desk neighbor that happens to be an Alum from my school. Throughout the day I carefully watched the staff go about their business, whether it be complaining to a coworker about a last-minute cancelled ad or discussing the highlight of the new Ashton Kutcher-Cameron Diaz flick, the place was alive. I was lost in their daily rumblings until it dawned on me,“This is their life not mine.” I couldn't help but feel out of place. My internship lasts all of two and half months and I’m not here to criticize or judge them. I have the utmost respect for their work and more importantly their lives in the business, but it’s just not for me. I don't belong in a shirt and tie behind a desk, I belong in a jacket, on the snow. That’s something I didn’t expect to learn on Day 1.

My“job-title” at Newschoolers.com could probably best be described as a “parasitic freelancer.” While not a full time staffer, I feel as if I’m a part of the growing NS family and work my butt off to help or improve anything I can. I’m energized and passionate about the work I produce, the feedback I receive,and the sport I love. The people I’ve met along the way have been equally as great. There’s no better feeling than being apart of an industry of people that can wake up every morning and say, “I love my job. It might not be the best paying job, but I love it.” Sometimes we need to step back and take a look from the outside at the incredible world we live in. One that’s covered with seemingly endless snow, countless parties, enormous smiles, and as I usually say in my articles,“great times had by all.”

Someone once asked me, “What’s the greatest part of your job?” To be honest, up until now I didn’t think I could answer that question. Today helped me solve a small piece of the puzzle. The best part of my job is the exciting shared experiences I’ve had with equally excited people who can quickly become your friends. Big thanks out there to all my friends. You know who you are.

I’ll make the best of my internship and give it my best shot, as that’s the absolute least my employers deserve but at the end of the day, when my head hits the pillow, I’ll take greater pride knowing I’m a ski journalist and not a newspaperman.

Until next time,

Mike Rogge – Ski Journalist