When I was six years old, I idolized Cher and Dionne, characters from the ‘90s classic “Clueless.” In fact, I did my best to follow the advice of the two vapid valley girls. Well into my high school years, I referred to the flick as my teenage bible.

Unfortunately, my predisposition to make Cher-inspired decisions followed me to college. When remembering my 18-year-old self, I think of what Dionne said to Cher: “Is Josh still trippin’ because he is in his post-adolescent-idealistic phase?”

As a college freshman, I wanted to save the world. I dreamed of grabbing an undergraduate degree in International Relations, joining the Peace Corps and trekking to Morocco. To say the least, I was comparable to the “Clueless” personality, Josh, and was in my “post-adolescent-idealistic-phase.”

Seven years later, I am proud to say I have accepted that my “save the world” mantra is unrealistic. I have found solace in a different career path — writing. Instead of Cher and Dionne, I now look to literary idols such as Dave Eggers, Nora Ephron and the entire staff of The Daily Utah Chronicle.

I am sure the Chronicle’s staff would deny they are comparable to literary icons. This might be true on a bigger scope. But in my small world, I have learned from the Chronicle’s editors, writers, page designers and photographers. In fact, I have shared my most memorable writing moments with the newspaper’s employees.

When looking back, I remember the excitement of holding my first press pass for the Utah Pride Festival. I reminisce over the excitement of my first editorial board. And since that first meeting, I have picked up some handy skills.

Thanks to photo editor Conor Barry, I have improved my photo-taking talents. I confess: in the beginning, my photography knowledge was minimal. Also, before working with editor in chief Emily Andrews, I had difficulty describing the difference between news writing and critiquing art. There are so many other people I could mention. If I were to do that, this 500-word column would turn into a lengthy autobiography.

All in all, my time at the Chronicle was well spent. Over the months, I have slowly made strides into the world of art. In the beginning, I crawled to the task of editing. Further down the road, I stood up and wrote my first blog.

My experience at the Sundance Film Festival was the halfway mark. This occasion taught me to walk and run, all in one step. With managing editor Niki Harris, I entered a world far different than my Salt Lake City bubble. I am now jumping hurdles by finally graduating (for goodness sake, seven years is a long time). I am hoping to find a career similar to the job I worked in this very newsroom.

To me, the Chronicle has offered an education far greater than any college. Without it, I would still be attached to the “Clueless” how-to guide. In an attempt to save the environment, I probably would be making proclamations such as, “We might get Marky Mark to plant a celebrity tree.” But today, the celebrity tree’s nameplate would read Mark Wahlberg, not Marky Mark.

f.moody@chronicle.utah.edu