After 12 weeks interning this summer, I was looking forward to sleeping in on my last week of vacation. Why was it, then, that I found myself catching the 8:57 a.m. Metra downtown? Well, that morning I woke up early so I could experience my dreams.

Being an aspiring journalist in the Midwest (and a self-proclaimed nerd), those dreams are located at the Chicago Tribune building on Michigan Avenue.

During the hour-long train ride, a swarm of butterflies took flight in my stomach. My mind was racing: What if I got there and was disappointed?

Even worse, what if I discovered I couldn’t make it there? What if all I’ve been working for turned out to be impossible? I’m a little over half-way through my bachelor’s education and despite decent grades and an internship, I don’t know where I stand in the field.

By the time the train stopped at Randolph, my excitement returned. Being already smitten with the Windy City, my heart was beating rapidly when I crossed the Michigan Avenue bridge.

As I walked up the steps and through the door I took a deep breath.

The lobby alone took that breath away. The marble walls seemed to stretch endlessly upward. Quotations about journalism, the written word and freedom of press were etched into the marble. It was inspirational.

I was awestruck.

The sports enterprise editor, Kerry Luft, gave me a guided tour begining with the wall of Pulitzer prizes. He then led me through the news areas, explaining what happens where and who makes it happen. I was so grateful to just observe that introductions to employees left me stammering a series of “pleased to meet you’s” and “thank you’s.”

I sat in on meetings where the next day’s papers are planned. The status of stories was shared and more angles were proposed along the way.

I met the city beat staff and joined their meeting as well, further witnessing what is behind making an award-winning paper.

Professionals, people who live my dreams on a daily basis talked to me about where I’m from, what I do and what I want to do with my journalism education.

They allowed me to witness what leads to my ideal career and lifestyle.

The interesting thing is, it’s run a lot like The Daily Eastern News. Take away millions of dollars, hundreds of employees and the thriving city atmosphere and what is left is a group of hard working people trying to make the whole world more available to its readers. We hold the same sorts of meetings and go about finding news in similar ways.

Our staff shares the same journalistic passion and many of the ideals.

I can’t explain exactly why I worship the Tribune. Something about its prestige, its coverage of my favorite city and its history inspires me to set my goals high.

I think many of us get so caught up in college we forget what we’re really here for. A simple day in Chicago reminded me of my goals and helped prepare me for another year doing my job- supplying the best possible news to all of The Daily Eastern News’ readers.