Grassroots Motorsports goes to college

First, no, it wasn't like this:

But last week I spent two full days working with journalism students (and faculty) at the University of Georgia. I went through the program myself and was invited back under their professional in residence program. It was fun, it was rewarding, it was tiring, I learned a lot--and hopefully the students did, too. I spoke before five classes--sophomores to seniors--and we discussed all sorts of aspects of news gathering, from working with editors to building relationships with sources. Plus I handed out magazines and stickers because, let's be honest, who doesn't like stickers?

Super-bonus: UGA now has a motorsports program, and in addition to a F/SAE car they're building a ChampCar Mustang. I would have killed for that opportunity. 

TL;DR: If you have the chance to go to college (yes, total Dave Brubeck reference there), do it. I've already told my UGA friends that I'm ready to do it again. 

Okay, some photos.

The night before classes, we went to a photo exhibit opening and, by luck, ran into the professor who made the biggest impact. Thank you, Dr. English.

The photo lab. Back in my day, this room was full of enlargers and smelled like photo chemicals. 

Yup, the right place. 

Adding some school spirit to the team's Mustang.

The night before, I learned that I'd be before a lecture hall. Once the conversation got going, the room shrank. 

My host: Mark E. Johnson, photojournalism senior lecturer, Miata owner and SCCA Atlanta Region board member. 

And that night, Pylon Reenactment Society.

David, man, I'm going to start calling you Starburns.

That's pretty cool. The Journalism school at Ok St, has put a call out for old alums to come in and speak with the students...........but I never actually used my Journalism degree for, well, journalism.

Claim Rep for State Farm, now a Tech Writer for almost 12 years. 

In reply to Duke :

Is that Donald Glover? 

Duke said:

David, man, I'm going to start calling you Starburns.

Why can I upvote a comment only once

captdownshift said:

In reply to Duke :

Is that Donald Glover? 

Yes, and Danny Pudi. It's from Community, which I strongly recommend. 

I wish those Motorsport teams were there when I went through. My motorsports experience was a freind on my dorm floor with a 66 Chevy truck with a farm nearby to work on it. Better than nothing but not very technical.

I did Baja and my team school had other SAE programs..  Best experience I've ever had in education.

If you're an experienced engineer and race or autocross regularly, SAE is always recruiting for design judges. It's a volunteer role, and you pay to get to either LA or Michigan, but once there they'll house and feed you. 

PM me for details.

I'm just here for the Descendents reference.

In reply to Duke :

I see you are already streets ahead on that reference 

itsarebuild said:

I wish those Motorsport teams were there when I went through. My motorsports experience was a freind on my dorm floor with a 66 Chevy truck with a farm nearby to work on it. Better than nothing but not very technical.

My college motorsports experience consisted of skipping class to play Daytona at the local arcade.

Ethnic Food-Wrap Aficionado said:

I'm just here for the Descendents reference.

Hey, just bought tickets to see them.

And nice to see this get zombied.