As a senior, I am riding the emotional roller coaster as graduation nears, but, to me, the fear is more overwhelming.

Fear to move on. Fear to leave home. Fear to leave what is familiar to me. Fear of trying something new.

On Feb. 16, I had the opportunity to put my fear to the test when I was invited to Detroit for a high school journalism day hosted by the Detroit Red Wings.

Arriving at Joe Louis Arena, I was nervous. I don’t know much about hockey, and I didn’t think I was an all-star writer, so initially, I thought the other high schoolers were going to show me up and make me look like I didn’t belong.

For the most part, I was quiet while my dad and I took our seats with other high schoolers at the press conference.

First, we talked to media members who cover the Red Wings. This would help me figure out if working in sports writing or broadcasting would be a career choice.

After 45 minutes of talking to the media, the high school group toured the press box to get a feel of what it would be like to sit there on game nights. Then, we watched the Red Wings practice. I could feel my fear subsiding and relaxed a little as we took our seats.

Excitement overcame me as I saw Justin Abdelkader, our hometown "hero" and Shores graduate, take the ice. I felt comforted seeing another familiar face, other than my dad, in the arena.

I enjoyed watching the players do something they love. I was ready to excise some more fear and interview some players, but first, we headed back to the conference room to interview general manager and head coach Mike Babcock.

Upon sitting down, my fear engulfed me once again, for this time, my dad, the one familiar person with me, had to sit to the side. When Babcock was ready, I pushed back my fear and asked a question. I shook as the microphone was given to me, and I stated my name and school.

I asked how he thought Abdelkader has grown since he has been with the Wings. I felt relaxed when Babcock sent me a smile and answered that he is a great, young player, and he has many miles to go, but he is getting there.

I felt the adrenaline rush, and I was ready to keep asking questions, but I wanted to wait for the players.

What Babcock said that stuck with me the most is not the answer to a question that someone else asked him, it was the advice he gave to all of us. He said to do what we love and that we don’t have to decide right now because when he was our age, he had no clue what he wanted to do.

After the coach left, three players – Todd Bertuzzi, Dan Cleary, and Valtteri Filppula – came in.

I raised my hand to get the microphone to ask my question. I was again a little nervous, but that adrenaline was still pumping through my veins, and I was ready.

I asked the players if they felt pressured into winning for the people of Detroit due the economical struggles. With a little chuckle, Bertuzzi said that he just comes to win the games, and if he raises people’s spirits along with that, that is great. I nodded and sat with pride.

I did it. I overcame my fear. I asked questions. I got my answers. I was sitting through a press conference with professional hockey players. I felt great. I felt like I belong here.

After a long day of sitting and listening, I was ready to take the almost three-hour ride back to Muskegon, but while I was riding, I began to think of my experience. I decided that I loved watching the hockey practice and talking to the coach and players the most.

However, I wasn’t a fan of sitting through the press conferences to do so. So, I made the decision that I liked the broadcasting view of things better. Then, I thought of what Babcock said and decided against it.

Why should I have to decide right now? I have plenty of time to decide what I want to do. I love sports, and I love writing about sports.

For now, I will take the advice Babcock gave me, and I will enjoy what I love, and maybe one day, it will lead me to a career.

In the future, I will decide what I truly want to do with what I love, but for now, I’ll just sit back, relax, and enjoy – without fear.