You ain't scene nothing yet; come with me for...

"The rest of the story..." As the radio host with the most (stories and most recognizable pipes) Paul Harvey became strongly associated with -- prompting you to stay, "don't touch that dial, we'll be right back after these messages..." While he placed the emphasis on the word "rest" with voice inflection and pause combined, I simply underline it as an attempt to get you to pause, think about a few unheralded groups of folks, highly dedicated groups who are seldom found to be..."at rest" That is, while the rest of the professionals that are out in front of the classes and cameras, respectively (another simulcast regarding teachers and professional 'ballers' as they're oft referred to these daze...) these other hard working folks...who are frequently known to us by their first name, perhaps prompted by a name tag (or "lanyard" these daze)...stand in back, support of, those in front....who collectively garner, if not demand "pay attention Johnny!" Who the reporters for either the school newspaper or national sports shows seek out, either before or after the action ceases...temporarily...who may be found 'lounging'...

An Insider's View from an Outsider:  Of the so-called "Teacher's Lounge" as well as the locker room of professionals, both of which have evolved...into something(s) quite different: in the former case, while it may still exist, when I have been allowed access as an outsider, I have not witnessed much lounging, given the numbers of hats and roles teachers these daze assume...almost a 24/7 pre-Occupation. And in the latter case, if you are a reporter allowed "In" you may have only a minute or two, depending on who you are seeking, given the so-called "transfer portals" and revolving doors (as well as many "creature comforts" to attract agents, potential players), and even in the case you obtain a so-called "interview" good luck getting them to take off the ubiquitous headphones featuring their individual pre/postgame "playlist". 

Inside Out: As in who you should actually be pursing if you want to get the real "skinny"..."poop" on who, what, why, when...in the case of "what's trending...what's in, out...who's going in (the principal's office)...what, whose shoes are they choosing to wear, so I might go on StockX and...???" Well, I'm here to testify as in an Outsider in both cases that, while reporters continue to have some valued access and teachers/principals have some up-to-date information as to what is going on in and around their building...

My Go Two's: As in who do I seek out, to find out what's going on behind the scenes, for the most in depth analysis, street cred, in order to, in turn gain access to information that I can actually rely on...this being the so-called "Information Age", right? Well, in the school setting, in order to even get in the doors, let alone the "office" (sometimes referred to, or accompanied by "kiosks" these daze), which might even allow me to learn something about the "student in question" (the one that I was requested to meet with, by the "Central Office") I actively seek out, cultivate relationships (not just for the sake of access but because they usually have a lot of interesting things to share, if given the chance, ear) with the school "front office staff" who used to simply be called the "school secretary" who double, triple time as nurse, confidant, surrogate parent...none of which appear formally on their resume or job description, but if I were their agent...along with the school "building engineer" who used to be referred to as the "janitor", "custodian", the roles of which involve not only cleaning up, sprucing up, fixing up, but also having to "put up" with (based on their disclosure to me as a safe outsider) some professionals who can, except when they are really needed, be a bit "uppity" themselves...but have no real idea of what's "going down" (literally!) That's right, when it comes down to it, to find out why and wo is involved with "when push comes to shove" in the hallways or elsewhere, these two groups have the most up-to-date scoop, poop. And, for those seeking favor with the NFL-ers, it's become well known, based on lots of recent "tell all" books, for what's going on before and after the reporters exit the locker rooms around the NFL...just ask the equipment managers, for who are the principals for keeping the players...'well equipped' 😉🤣!!

Don't say I didn't tell you...

As in Next: a (short) trip to the Guidance Counselor