My freshman year in college, I’d submit cartoons to The University of Tennessee​ ‘s student paper, The Daily Beacon. They didn’t appear often, but when they did, I’d run downstairs to the first floor of Greve Hall where the papers were dropped. I’d open the paper and see my work in print.
It was a thrill every single time.
Later, I became their daily cartoonist and that’s when I learned the most valuable skill I learned in college: Deadline discipline.
I remember the first time when one of my cartoons showed up in the New York Times, USA Today, Newsweek, Time and in the Clarion-Ledger. I can’t tell you how much joy that brought me. I remember the excitement being named a Pulitzer Finalist (twice). I love hate mail and seeing my stuff cut out and pasted on a wall.
Dad once told me if my occupation was something I loved, it wouldn’t’ be work. He was right. Yes, there are days when it is harder than others. But I am extremely blessed I can do all the things I get to do. Radio. Books. Speeches. It’s all amazing.
I thought my career was over a few years ago — but instead it has blossomed into something 10X better. I’m just glad that I can walk out to the end of my driveway and see my work.
It’s good to still be in the game.