Ok, my first post of the year wasn't how I imagined it would be. I thought this would be the first.
I haven't been blogging for months since last year, mainly cuz I have much more important things to focus on and I'm too lazy, uninspired and lack of internet access.
To round up what I've been up to for the pass few months, I have been doing my internship. Yeah, finally... I've been dreading this for a very long time. Thinking that OMG I'm so gonna embarrass myself and die.
I am currently doing my internship at a national newspaper company as an amateur reporter. As a psychology major, EVERY single person I met asked me the same question "How is it that you are a psychology student but interning as a reporter?"
I'm so sick of answering this questions that the answer is etched into my mind. I put on autopilot everytime i answer then "Oh, its like this...... I applied for the human resource department at first but they don't have it at the bureau where I wanted to be placed in. So i just took the available reporting vacancy cuz I'm just looking for work experience."
There you have it. I haven't been entirely honest. This is partly true. But actually I have been aiming for this company since day one because of the good reputation and I always wanted to be a writer. AND also, I was super desperate because no other companies are taking me in and the deadline is near.
I still remember the day I was called up and told I was accepted. I was in the class and the phone rang, in a rush to get out of the classroom to answer the call, I almost slipped TWICE (the floor is tiled and my heels are slippery). I'm pretty sure everyone was looking at me and giving me the "whats with this girl" snicker.
I was grateful that they are taking me in but later to my horror, I thought "How the hell am I going to link psychology to reporting?". There's where my dilemma sets in but after much reassurance from my lecturers and family, I didn't care anymore.
When I first start out, I thought I wasn't going to last the 14 weeks at all. I thought I was going to quit after the 3rd week but miraculously, I made it to week 8 now. Partly because I have such awesome co-workers and mentors, PLUS my work hour is so flexible I can come in to work after noon and still go home at 5pm (depending on my workload). It isn't as stressful as I'd imagine the reporting line would be.
As an intern, they took care of me well (like a fragile fledgling actually). They teach me all the basic stuff and gave me much autonomy in what I do although in the end they'll check my end products.
Being a new reporter myself, I was surprised at how cooperative reporters could be with each other even with the competitor companies. They are like old friends, sharing information and joking around.
They have impressive connections and contacts of all big shots and famous figures. And mostly, they don't really stake out at the minister's house and stalked them unless it's really something big.
I was terrified at my first function but my mentors were really nice. They gave me tips and guided me throughout the time. I ended up producing pretty good pieces.
My first solo coverage of an event was nerve wrecking but I still pulled through. From there, things got much better. My mentors are so sweet and considerate. Since I'm not really good at recognizing roads, they'll offer to fetch me up at the office and we'll go to a function together.
Needless to say, I have gained much experience while interning there. I know more about whats going on around me and I don't have to be the ignorant blur person when someone ask me a question.
Talking to strangers have always been a phobia to me but after being in the reporting line, it has significantly reduced because it is part of the requirement that I call up some ministers and interview them on the phone. I find myself more open and sociable thanks to my job.
Through encouragement and advice from these people, I manage to write an article on ADHD to help me link psychology to reporting. After a few days within its publication, my lecturer (who i sought help from) told me my article has attracted the attention of the public and he was receiving calls for more information. It took me weeks to produce that one article but I was proud of myself. At least, I'm doing something for the community.
Then my mentors challenge me to write a color story, something I excelled in. It's what I do best, writing. It appeared as the headlines the next morning. It wasn't my first headlines, previously, another article I wrote made the headlines and couple more with bylines. I guess, as an intern, it couldn't get better than that. For that, I am grateful for the opportunities they gave me. It is so touching that, these reporters are giving me the chance to shine on my own, pushing me to reach a higher target, achieve success.
It was an awesome experience so far, I really hope that I can do this again next time although i can't imagine myself as a reporter forever. For the remaining 5 weeks, I'm just going to enjoy my time and hopefully I'll score good for my evaluations.
Ciao for now.
