Morgan Young is a senior in the journalism school at West Virginia University. They've created a student chapter under the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) where I will be talking often with their executive committee.  On a recent trip to WVU, Morgan was introduced to me as my mentee.  I didn't fall into mentoring so much as I jumped. 

Morgan is from the DC area and as she put it, "A third generation Mountaineer."  Her grandfather and father went to WVU. When we had a chance to talk in person I asked about her vision for her future.  She said, point blank, "I want to be a political columnist for The Washington Post," as Morgan has been reading that paper since she was literate. She added with a laugh, "I originally wanted that for The Baltimore Sun, but we've seen what's happened to that paper."

I laughed and said, "What makes you think The Post will be around by the time you have enough experience to write for them? What about writing for The Huffington Post, The Daily Kos, The Daily Beast, Politico or Pro Publica?" I explained, there are new media companies now that will want Morgan to write for them and they are in direct competition with more traditional media companies.  I suggested adding those companies into her mix of destinations.  "Don't put everything into one basket," I advised.

Morgan then asked, "So, am I holding on too tight to 'The Dream?'"  Now, I like people who are driven and focused and she certainly is that.  But, in today's climate, you can't have a single dream because it could easily become unrealized and then you're stuck. Be very good at one thing, but know how to do a few other things too, 

Dream with your eyes open...