David Hook.

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This was my first personality feature for The Sun. This was also the first time I’ve been assigned to a topic like this.

It’s difficult to explain my feelings leading up to my interview with David Hook, which happened last Wednesday in his East Baltimore home. Just hours before, I was sardined into a tiny corner of a bar full of drunk, rowdy U.S. soccer fans. This assignment couldn’t be more different.

I really didn’t know what to expect. I was both nervous and excited, but when David told me, “I have quite a story,” I knew he was happy that I was there.

He was right. His story is truly compelling, and the composure with which he told it was inspiring.

As a journalist, one must strive to stay impartial. I learned this week that that’s not always so easy to do.