...so what's next?

What a summer this has been! It feels strange that I am leaving a few days; I kind of feel like I'm supposed to live here now. D.C. is such a great city; culture and history are infused in everything here...and it's all so accessible. Let's just say it's been almost 2 months since I drove a car, and I've grown to love public transportation.

I signed up for SIWJ with intentions of being solely focused on my internship, a position with the Office of Communications and Outreach at the U.S. Department of Education (DoED). All that mumbo jumbo simply means public affairs for the DoED. While I valued my time and learning experience at DoED, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the SIWJ classwork.

(P.S. That's me INSIDE the White House gates, after my West Wing tour as a DoED intern!)

Learning how to edit video, make a piece of video journalism, and organize the process with a varied group of people was the highlight of the class for me. Through all the moaning and groaning of group work, I loved being creative in a completely different and digital way.

Now, I came at this program from a very different angle than most other students, as a recent graduate (of Harding University--go Bisons!) with a public relations and Spanish degree. I wanted to learn about the media in our classes and about public affairs through my internship. I was able to apply what I'd learned in classes and from guest speakers directly in my public affairs job.

One of my best pieces of advice for living here: make yourself a "business card" and hand them out to anyone interesting you meet--and keep in touch. Ask them advice about jobs, career paths, etc. Be saavy about it!

So what's next? Next I'm moving to Mondéjar, Spain to be a culture and language assistant in Spain for the next 8 months or so. BUT, when I get back, I'll have a good sense of where to look for a job, and I'll have a wealth of contacts--from my classmates to my co-workers--all of whom have shaped my summer into the productive, self-discovering adventure that it's been.

The end is near....

My experience here this summer has taught me so many things about the journalism field, and more importantly it taught me a lot about myself. I came into the program gung-ho about producing for news. All I wanted to do was be the person who got to play with the run down, organize the stories and compile them into the show we see on the newscast. But coming out of this program I have realized that what I thought was my dream job is actually very far from it. And it was not that my internship was bad, it was wonderful. Working at WTTG (local fox station) was a great experience. I got to go anywhere I wanted within the station and learn all aspects of broadcast news. But while there I realized I did not have the drive, the passion, for producing for news. And after talking with Amos I knew what direction I wanted to go in. I remembered that in my statement of interest for journalism school, and then again for the summer program talked about my other dream...

"After achieving a dual degree in journalism and history I would like to be able to produce historical and educational programming. By doing this I would be able to help people learn about a subject in which I am very passionate about. I would love to be able to have the opportunity to help others fall in love with history and its many exciting events..."

It was right in front of me the whole time. This was always a dream I thought I could have later on, after I had fulfilled my dream for the news. But I needed to pursue production for documentaries, maybe historical documentaries now. I watched them all the time as a kid with my dad. We would turn on the history channel and watch something on World War I or World War II. I was the kid in high school who loved watching those history clips your teacher turned on...I was never the one to fall asleep. And while I am disappointed in myself for not being able to love news production as much as I thought I would, I am happy that I still have time left at Georgia to explore other aspects of journalism. I am trying to enroll in a documentary class which will help me to learn more about that field.

I truly believe had I not come on this program I may not have had this realization until later on in life. After I had been at a production job I did not 100% love. I don't want to be one of those people staring at my watch, waiting to leave work. I want to love every minute of it. Otherwise, is it really worth it? And by knowing where that love is not at, I can search for the place I will be truly happy. And if I do not find that place...well I may just have to make one up. After all, journalism is constantly evolving and changing. And I am excited to be a part of that change.

All I can say is that this program was worth every penny we payed because the knowledge and skills are wonderful and I know they will serve us well, but what we learned about ourselves is priceless.

The Future Begins

Thanks be to God. This has absolutely been the best summer of my life. The people I've met, the experiences I've had, and the lessons I've learned have all met and exceeded expectations.

I spent the first two years of college in a small school in Carrollton, Georgia, with few opportunities to grow as a person. The University of West Georgia is largely a commuter school, and students who attend the school have more than likely grown up in Atlanta and attended high school in the city as well. So, I knew my surroundings, went home whenever I wanted, and didn't get an opportunity to venture out of my comfort zone at all. 

Broadcast television and politics have always been two obsessions of mine, so I knew that eventually I would end up in Washington, D.C. So, during the Fall semester of my sophomore year, I knew it was time that I did something about that. I applied for this program, and by the grace of God, Amos gave me the opportunity to spend a summer with SIWJ. When I visited the school over Spring Break this year, I was so struck by the school and the opportunities available that I decided to apply. I was admitted as a transfer student about four weeks ago.

Most of the students in this program will be leaving in a couple days, but I'll remain in the city for another month of my internship, plus another two years while I finish my degree at GW. So, this doesn't feel like the end to me--at all. It feels like my future is really just getting started. This program gave me the opportunity to see things I never thought I would ever see, and do things I thought I would never do at age 19. My internship at CNN in "The Situation Room" was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Working alongside Brian Todd, Carol Costello, Abbi Tatton, and Wolf Blitzer is something I never would have had the chance to experience had it not been for SIWJ. It's been amazing to see firsthand how the news is made, and I'm extremely blessed because I also know what I want--and DON'T want--to do in this business. I've helped produce packages that hundreds of thousands of people watched on TV. I've also seen people do jobs that I once thought were for me--and now I know unequivocally that they are not. And this is all before I take my first class as a GW student! 

SIWJ has been an incredible experience. I know there's so much more in store for me at this school and I couldn't be more humble and thankful for this opportunity. 

A midsummer night's blog...

I feel like I just got here and already it’s almost time to leave. When I look back on this experience, I wonder if it will seem like the whirlwind that it actually has been. These last few weeks will be the worst of all. I made a checklist of all the things I need to do before I go, but my greatest fear is getting back to Georgia and realizing that I didn’t do any of the things I should have. So today I’ll talk about the things I have done/will do at my internship and the things I have done/will do outside of work.

Before I say anything, though, I just want to comment on how amazing and awesome my internship at CBS News in DC has been. With the help of my supervisor I’ve done a ton of things and met a ton of people that have taught me so much. So far, I’ve been to a political dinner (where all kinds of people spoke), and met Lewis Black, Lara Logan, Bob Schieffer, and most of the CBS Evening News correspondents in DC. I’ve learned a million things about radio, broadcast, and the different roads that can lead you to different careers in journalism. I’ve also been able to shadow an accomplished journalist and his noteworthy colleagues up close and personal. It’s been ridiculous. I couldn’t ask for more. Before I leave, though, I’m also going to shadow someone who covers the White House, someone who reports on the goings on at the Capitol and one of the female correspondents for the Evening News. All in one summer. I really can’t believe it.

Outside of CBS I’ve been doing a lot, too. We’ve visited all kinds of places and heard from speakers that have had some pretty striking things to say. I still want to go and see all of the historical things in DC, though. Like the Declaration of Independence, the memorials and all of the other things that tourists usually come to do. There’s also a Madame Tussaud’s wax museum here like the one I went to in NYC. I think that would be a lot of fun to do, too.

When I think about everything that I’ve seen since I’ve been here this summer, it makes me feel like so much has gone on. There can’t be any other place in the world where someone can collect so many awesome experiences in such a short time. I’ve been throwing around the idea of coming back in the future to work for a few years after I graduate. I love the level of achievement that younger people can find in this city. It just seems like anything is an option and anyone can just stumble into success. That may seem cheesy, but I really feel that way. Coming to DC has to be one of the coolest things I’ve ever done and I’m really appreciative of everything that has happened. So I guess that’s everything. The past month or so in a nutshell and my big plans for the future. See what I mean about the whirlwind?

Shari

Summer in the City

After our 12 hour trek in my dad's Chevy, I was ready to get out and see what this city had to offer. Needless to say, map quest got the best of us when entering downtown DC, and after the third time around Washington Circle and almost being side swiped numerous times, I was really ready to get out. When we came to a stop, my dad looked at me and said, "This isn't going to be anything like Maine Sar." He was right. My first feelings of this city were intimidation, worry and excitement all at the same time. I mean, having to walk everywhere? Or take a bus? Things are too far to walk to in Maine, and if I ever needed something, it was a matter of getting in my car and throwing it into drive. After a short time, the bewildering streets leading through the city became home, and all of my new classmates, professors and supervisors became lifelong friends.

Our program professors had an incredible way of instilling confidence in each one of us. When Amos said, " We want to make you uncomfortable, bringing you out of your comfort zone is how you learn," he was exactly right. At one point or another, each of us was frustrated with our group members, our assignment, our time constraints and just the feeling that there wasn't enough time in the day to get everything done. At the end of the day, we all made it through, and made it through successfully. You know you were successful when you can look back and say, if I could do it over, I would do this instead... you have taken from the experience and will make those changes the next time around. From this program I know I gained an appreciation of time management, a new perspective of technology and an interest in taking on challenging tasks just for the feeling of accomplishment that comes when the work is done.

My internship at the Georgetowner was exactly what I expected. Upbeat, unpredictable and hectic. I came here with a major in Broadcast Journalism, but had already interned at a news station in Bangor, Maine and wasn't interested in another beat-reporting job. Amos understood immediately that I was looking to learn more about the business aspect of Journalism, and sent me to the Georgetowner to do just that. The publisher soon became my new best friend, and I came to learn her ways, as well as what needed to be done to keep the paper running very quickly. The best part about my internship was not going on trips to meet connections with her, but that I was writing, making databases, updating event calendars, taking pictures, filming broadcast clips for the web site, basically learning every in and out of the publication. Each day was a new day, and in the journalism business, that is something you have to look forward to.

Everything about this program was a learning and growing experience, and I would recommend that everyone interested attends. Not only is being in the city incredible itself, but the exposure that you are given is enough to allow one who either loves journalism, or one who is on the line trying to make a decision about the career to make it. There is something for everyone here, things you may have never expected yourself being interested in, or seen yourself doing. You will never know though, until you get in the car, get on the plane, or on the bus, make the trek, and come find it yourself.

Ah, Journalism...

This program rocks! I know it may sound like I'm totally talking up the professors, but I'm not kidding, this program is the best thing I ever did as far as school goes--one of the hardest and most demanding things I've ever done, but also the best.

I came in as an English literature major, so I was a bit petrified at meeting the group of 20-something students who would mainly have a background in journalism. What I found, though, was that many people were like me. Everyone here had an impression of what journalism is--myself included--and came here to find their ideas turned upside down.

My own impressions were that journalism had to be hard news. However, I never considered whether a blog or tabloid magazines (which is ironic, considering one of my dream jobs would be to work for Cosmopolitan) could be journalism, or what components went into a piece, in order for it to become journalism. Imagine my surprise when we were given our first assignment: produce a 3-minute video piece of good journalism, accompanied by a 300-word article and a Web page. Possibly the most vague and most terrifying assignment I have ever received, I found that, like many classes or assignments that are extremely difficult, this assignment taught me more than I ever would have gained in a semester-long journalism course at CSU.

Here at SIWJ, journalism is open-ended. It is not concrete, it does not have one definition. Instead, this program allows us to define what journalism means to us. One classmate may find a journalistic story in the artwork at the National Gallery. Another may find a piece on the Metro. This program has shown me that journalism is open to interpretation; it is flux.

Going back to that first assignment, I found that the open-endedness of the assignment was scary, but at the same time liberating. Gone were the constraints most professors give their students and in their place was freedom to be creative.

Perhaps that is the most interesting aspect of what I've learned here. Whether at my job or in class, creativity is necessary. A piece of journalism does not always fit into the template designed for it. At Moment magazine, we interns are expected to contribute creatively on a regular basis, whether throwing out possibilities for the next "Jewish Word" column or researching interesting story ideas on the Supreme Court.

I am still working on my definition of journalism. Maybe it's like I said before--that no one definition of journalism will ever truly encompass journalism in all its forms. For now, I agree with Amos' requirements that journalism should inform and entertain. I feel strongly that a piece of solid journalism should make an impact on an individual's life in one way or another. And whether writing about the stock market (boring!) or about the newest runway fashions, passion for the content is key.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

10:20 a.m.

I've been up for, oh, six hours already.

It's probably a good thing that I'm totally out of it - because I don't really feel much of anything, not even embarassed about the near disaster that was my run this morning with Sen. Chuck Grassley.

It's not that I was intimidated by the most massive case of morning bed head I've ever seen. Naw, I wasn't put on edge by that 74-year-old man who sported long tube socks and a yeller t-shirt that read "Grassley 5:29." I even smiled a bit when I watched him put on that bright blue CAT farmer cap.

The man's a beast, no doubt, but I wasn't intimidated at all. Just forgetful. 3 times.

First of all, the run was great. Grassley keeps about a 10-minute mile pace for 3 miles, which he keeps-up nearly 4 days a week. Seriously, how impressive is that? The guy's 74.

We had one other girl with us, Mindy, 34, who is a lobbyist from Iowa and manages to make it out to D.C. a few times a year. She said she usually always tries to get over to run with Sen. Grassley when she's here.

Mindy was pretty neat - a real Iowa girl with an accent I probably have, too, when I am home. I started to feel myself twang this morning when we were talkin' too - a sure indication. Mindy's in decent shape, does weight-watchers, and chatted the entire run.

At one point, she must have been feeling great because she took the lead for awhile, running a few yards ahead on the home stretch. Grassley must have got a 2nd wind though, because we passed her right before the house.

"He's breakin' awaaaay!!" I turned to mouth at Mindy, who winked.

Then I made my first mistake.

I managed to announce that whoa! We just ran 31 minutes! That's awesome!

And I was seriously impressed and feeling good about that, until Mindy gave me the face and motioned for me to "cut-it!"

"OHhh well if I knew you'd have a watch on it well I could have done it in 30!" said Grassley.

Ahh man. Dang...

And Mindy tried to work him, saying, "Noo that was great, I mean you threw those two hills in there those were so hard!"

And then five minutes of puffing the senator ensued. I don't know, a 74-year-old man keeping a solid pace for 31 minutes is impressive to me. I forgot for a second that by nature, Grassley's gotta be super competitive. So what I said to him this morning was heard something like, "You're a minute SLOW, Senator." Auuughhh . . . and I could tell he was irked by it. The man walked up the street and touched a fire hydrant before turning around - that's how you know method matters, and a minute's a huge deal.

It probably didn't help my case that I forgot both my phone and my wallet, on 2 separate occasions this morning.

Mrs. Grassley made us all oatmeal for breakfast, which of course is my favorite. She even gave me a pack of cinnamon weight control oatmeal to take home. I doubt it was a hint, and just my curiousity on how she made it from straight oatmeal that got her to take interest in the discussion, and give me pack of her favorite.

After breakfast, Mindy, Mrs. Grassley and I loaded up the Lincoln, and I realized right as we were settled that I forgot my phone in the house. Mrs. Grassley had to get out to open the house again, and I grabbed my phone from right inside the door, apologizing once but no more (incessant apologizing is annoying).

Then my wallet fell out of my pocket at the metro. I realized it after Mrs. Grassley had pulled away and Mindy and I were about to get on the train. I knew it was in the car, so I called the Senator at home.

"Senator Grassley, it's Lindsey again! I think I forgot my wallet in Mrs. Grassley's car. It fell out of my pocket."

If I've ever felt like an airhead in my life, it was this morning. I told him I'd wait until they were ready and heading out for the day, and they could drop off my wallet if they'd be so kind.

So I waited at the Metro for 45-minutes, probably the least I could do after calling out the Senator on slow and managing to forget two things on two different occasions.

A good first impression, I'd say!

The Empowerment of Washington DC

For months, I had been looking forward to coming to Washington DC, full of optimism and confident I had the talent to work hard and reap the benefits the city had to offer. Yes, I have worked hard and yes, I have reaped benefits. Although, they are not the work or the benefits that I was expecting. Washington DC has been a work in progress for me from the very first week, until this very minute, and there are only a few more weeks ahead of me.

My internship was not what I was expecting. However, I was very privileged to have two internships. For me, an ideal internship combined class lessons with situations in the workplace. The exchange would be similar to that of a mentor with a student. I lucked out and was able to have the ability to learn more than I thought I would have in an office environment. Together, my mentor and I were able to solve dilemmas, create dynamic pitches, and learn more about ourselves.

I have learned more about myself in these past few weeks than I could in a lifetime. When I return to my home university, I will be picking up another major, adding more expertise to my resume and my area of concentration. The classroom portion of this program has taught me that the world of journalism is constantly moving forward and I need to move with it. I have had more confidence in situations that were not under my control than I ever had in my entire life.

Life is a series of new experiences, some of which you will never have been in or would not normally seek. Sometimes you will be backed against a wall and will need to find a solution to get out. For me, I found my solution with a tremendous amount of support and courage and went for what I believed was right.

Most of all, I have learned invaluable life lessons. Working for what you believe in is more important than working hard. If something is not right to you, then you should follow your gut instinct and get out of the situation. Sometimes organizations do not have a solid structure, but it is up to you to figure out where you will blend in. Seek help and advice and question every action. You as a person are more important than performing work that will put you in an unethical position and you should know the difference, because knowing the difference will stop a lot of headaches.

Every experience has its lessons and what you take away from these lessons is the most important part. For me, lessons in Washington DC have taught me to follow my instincts and what I believe is right. Surround yourself with those on your side, get some confidence, and you will be empowered to do anything.

From Creative Writer to Journalist

I am not a journalism major. I come from a creative writing background and have no video or audio experience. After the first week here though, all of that changed. This summer has been a little overwhelming and I have been thrown into a lot of new situations: living in the city, public transportation, writing on a consistent basis for a newspaper, video editing and all the things that come with learning journalism and media communications.

I come from Cumberland MD. I have been to DC a few times, but I didn't ever think I would live here.
I have to say I am doing well with living in the city. My apartment rooftop is amazing with a view of the city unlike anything you have ever seen. I have bonded with many of the members in the class up there and I think its been a great place for all of us to come together and relax.

As far as writing for the newspaper, I have already had a few pieces published and have written a lot more that are in the kitty (A kitty is the place where stories, photos and pieces are help for future publication).  I know it's a little late, but I'm starting to think outside of the box and not rely on ideas for stories other people tell me to write. I am constantly thinking of new ideas, stories, angles and trying to see things in a different light.

My classmates are all interesting and much different from what I first expected. When I started talking to students the first few days, I realized  they are all experienced and very talented in their own ways. This intimidated me a little, since I had not had much if any journalism experience or courses in my background. I learned a lot from everyone here by just talking to them or working on group projects together. I took Amos’ advice on one of the first days when he said "Everyone has something to offer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and give your input."

He was right. By taking an active role in the program I have learned how to edit and film and do audio and put short pieces together, something I never would have learned at my home school. I have learned how a newspaper runs and gets put together, from story ideas to interviews to layout, publications and distribution.  I have learned how to gather information and to write and more importantly, edit stories. 

This program has taught me a lot about journalism and has given my résumé a major boast. I am not getting credit for this program but that doesn't matter to me because I have learned valuable lessons that will help me in the future. 

It has been a truly great experience. 

Amos also said this program would change our aspect on life and what we wanted to do with it. This couldn't be more true. I have gained so much insight on the media field and my own personal direction, now my eyes have been opened to the world around me.  In the Fall I am transferring from Shippensburg University to The University of Maryland.  I'll be at a bigger  school that will help me to succeed and I will also be closer to DC, a location I like a lot now.

Changing Expectations

On our first day of class, as Amos stood there telling us how SIWJ would fundamentally change us, I had my doubts. I’d heard it before. Many professors have given that speech on the first day, and I’ve left at the end of the semester without having to question anything and with my core beliefs still intact. But with less than a month left in the program, I can honestly say this program has changed me.

I came to D.C. with a completely idealistic view of the city and the world of public relations. I thought I was prepared and knew exactly what I wanted to do. I was wrong.

I’ve been obsessed with DC since I was little, and always thought I wanted to live here after graduation. I thought it was absolutely gorgeous, and full of the most important people in the world. Let me tell you a little secret about DC: it has rats. Seriously, walk around at night, you’ll see one. For a girl from the suburbs of North Carolina, that was quite an experience.

This isn’t to say I don’t still want to move here. I still think the city is amazing, and I’m actually getting to meet some of the big players of DC. In fact, I’m already making plans to be here next summer because I know it presents so many opportunities for me. But I’ve learned that everything isn’t always as it seems, and it doesn’t always turn out the way you want it to.

The perfect example is my internship. I am working for a public relations firm whose clients include the Obama campaign and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I had dreams of attending fabulous charitable galas, and sitting in on campaign strategy meetings. Um, not so much. More like working on spreadsheets, making phone calls and research. Although, at first this was frustrating and disappointing, I’ve learned that this is an extremely valuable reality check for me. I am getting a glimpse of what my life would be like if I choose to move up to DC and work in a large corporate pr firm after graduation. You have to start small before you can be something big. It’s much better to find out now that this may not be the job for me than to find out after I accept a job. I still love politics, and I know that I want to do something in the political realm. Perhaps I’ll try to work for a smaller political strategy firm, or maybe even work as a reporter.

Not to mention, I've met some of the most amazing people up here. All of our speakers have talked about the power of networking, and I really hope that we all keep in touch and will be able to help each other out in the future. We all have such diverse interests, and I know that people in this program will be successful in their various ventures.

So I’ll admit it, Amos was right. I’ve already changed and the program isn’t even over yet. I haven’t figured out all the answers, but I’m starting to understand myself a lot better in the process, which is something I needed to do.