The Road to Success

Free lance writer, graphic artist, website developer, animator and editor of MovieHouston.com Eric Harrison shared his experiences of highs and lows of his quest for success with a group of student advanced reporters at Texas Southern University.

Harrison reflected over his career and the adjustments that it took to achieve the level of success he has today.

While Harrison has achieved many accolades and accomplished many things throughout his career, there was no story book beginning.

In high school Harrison considered himself to be an intelligent young man who had a lot of things going for him. Some may argue that he was a little overly confident.

“My teacher took me out of one of my advanced classes and placed me in a remedial course,” said Harrison as he recounts the story, “She said I was not applying myself and acted as if I was entitled and things should be given to me,” Harrison Said.

After high school Harrison attended the University of Texas in Austin. There, Harrison was one of the first interns to be selected for an internship at Austin American Statesman in a number of years.

Though he was dedicated to his field he did not get the job with Austin American Statesmen at the completion of his internship.

“Maybe I did not learn my lesson the first time in high school, because I did the exact same thing during college,” Harrison Said.

Looking back Harrison admits not getting the job after the internship may have been one of the best things that ever happen to him. “My attitude completely changed,” Harrison said.

It was at this point that Harrison realized the importance of making a lasting impression from your fist day on the job.

"You will be judged from day one, and how you perform in your first days on the job may determine your future," Harrison said.

Disappointed, but not defeated Harrison began his job search and was able to find a home in Fort Worth, Texas as a writer for the Star Telegram.

Upon arriving at the Star Telegram Harrison recognized one of their more distinguished writers, Lena Williams, and began to study her work.

"As a journalist I would identify the best writers at every newspaper where I worked and then learn from them at the same time that I competed with them," Harrison said. "You need to learn to recognize talent so that you can learn from it."

Harrison also emphasizes the importance of exceeding expectations and how going a step further can aid in enhancing your career.

"Exceed expectations," Harrison said, "do more than the minimum, just meeting expectations means you’re adequate and being merely adequate won’t help you get ahead in the job."

Harrison did just that. His first story at the Star Telegram was a piece about Valentine’s Day.

determined to do well, Harrison began to do in depth research on the history of Valentine's Day. In his story he mention facts that are usually left out about the origin of Valentine's Day.

The story was a success and allowed Harrison to gain popularity within the department.

“When I walked in that morning Lena Williams said there he is,” Harrison said, “and she and the editor applauded me for my fist story about Valentine’s Day.

Harrison had finally began to feel like he belonged, and his gift and skill were being put to good use. Harrison continued to work diligently in hopes of continuing on this road to success.

After three years as a metro reporter for the Star Telegram Harrison joined the staff of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

All the hard work paid off for Harrison. His second story was featured on the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Eric Harrison had begun to make his mark and let readers know who he was.

Harrison was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a movie critic when the L.A. Times offered him a position. In executing his duties as a critic Harrison was allowed the opportunity to visit film sets, sit in on editing sessions and interview a multitude of editors, producers, and artist.

"It does not matter how brilliant you think you are, nobody will recognize it unless you demonstrate it," Harrison said, "you demonstrate it through the quality of your work, you can’t be complacent."

All of these accomplishments would not have been achievable had it not been for the tenacity, and passion Harrison had for his field. Through hard work and dedication it is possible to achieve a level of professionalism that will carried throughout your career.