You know how people say they were so busy they didn't have time to stop to tie their shoes?

Well, after my first week as editor I have literally been that busy.

I was late to another softball meeting -- good leadership from a captain, right?

All I could do was speed walk to my car with hopes of not spilling my taco salad on the sidewalk in front of Pearce.

But the first week is over, and I made it through. Whew!

Somebody out there probably said it couldn't be done because I'm a female. They probably doubted my commitment because I'm an athlete.

And decades ago it was dang near impossible because I'm black. Despite these obstacles and more or less stereotypes placed against me, I've done it.

I, Amber Nicole Miles, have worked my way up The Tech Talk publication ladder to achieve editor status.

Yes, there's a lot on my plate, and I accept the responsibilities.

In a May 2003 article, Darlene Tucker, senior writer for Tech public relations and marketing and The News Bureau, quoted Wiley Hilburn, head of the journalism department, as saying,

"Amber is only one of two varsity athletes, in my more than 30 years, to serve as an editor for The Tech Talk."

He went on to say, "The editors are the best students in journalism, and it requires a great commitment to work here É It's difficult to serve two masters, both of whom want your soul É"

Am I ready? I was born ready! I often make that statement jokingly, but I really do feel as if I were made for this position.

From this point on (until I resign or get fired, which ever comes first) this is my life. The office is my home. Don't bother calling my cell phone; rather save my minutes and call the office.

Do I see it is as serving time? No, I see it as a privilege to be able to address my readers on a weekly basis, in hopes of writing something you identify with.

It's an opportunity for me to see how you feel and try my hardest to make any necessary changes.

Do I deserve this position? Well, sure. It's not as if it were handed to me on a silver platter because I've been so worthy.

On the contrary, I had to cover everything from the Institute for Micromanufacturing to the Baptist Collegiate Ministry; I had to write three stories a week at one point.

I had to deal with sources who could care less about the paper, which I affectionately call "My Baby." I've had to miss practices to make meetings.

I'm grateful to be in this position, and I'm grateful for the wonderful staff. Thanks especially to Jennifer, my right hand (wo)man. We're going to make a great team.

And the rest of my editors are very qualified to do their jobs. We have some new and old reporters who know what they're doing. Just be patient with us, Tech.

Readers, I might write something you disagree with, but then again, that's what the "Letters to the Editor" section is for. I might not like everything you say, but I'll live.

Change is good, and I'm open to it. I just hope you're open to accepting me as editor this fall.

So for seven more weeks you get to read my column. If you pick up every issue, you'll get your money's worth. (Somebody will catch that last sentence in just a minute.) Trust me when I say there's no place else I'd rather be.

To my friends and teammates, call me if you need me, just not on my cell phone, because you'll only be wasting your time and my minutes.

Here's to a great year.

Amber Miles is a senior journalism major from Dallas and serves as editor for The Tech Talk. E-mail comments to anmiles24@hotmail.com.