Remembering a day 31 years ago

I had nothing to do with the journalism that earned the award. But I did work in a newsroom where there was an announcement that a couple of my colleagues had won a Pulitzer.

Here are the reactions I remember witnessing.

Pride (in the two reporters and in the paper).

Relief (that the rumors about the award had not proven to be false).

Jealousy (a few of the smiles seemed a tad taut).

Satisfaction (re: contemplating the paper’s rabid critics hearing about the Pulitzer).

Wondering (about the the social prospects at the party to be held that night).

Naivete (some of the younger staffers assumed we would witness similar occasions again and again throughout our careers).