Laughing and learning

(Alum) Derrick Henry personified everything we could hope to be. The stories of his just disastrous internships were hilarious. Yet as we laughed and listened to his account of heels falling off of shoes and not knowing what to do when a veteran journalist has a heart attack or a criminal begins shooting in front of you (take out a note pad or duck?), we recognized our own fears. His ability to listen and, more importantly, to learn from his mistakes has allowed him to rise to a job with one of the most respected journalism organizations in the world – The New York Times. I hope we find the Derrick Henry in all of us.

Last thought: Thank you, each and every one of you for your love support and friendship. Paz (peace).

-- Rick Coca, California State University-Northridge, Daily News, Los Angeles