Writing

​

My interest in journalism has been in photography and broadcast, but like any esteemed journalist, I knew I had to become well versed in all aspects of journalism. This school year I basically harassed my local newspaper into taking me on as an intern. I wanted to dip my toes into the great world of journalism writing. After a month of constant pressure, they agreed to take me under their wing. I work closely with one of the reporters, Zac Taylor; he likes to call me a freelancer for the paper and in many ways I am. As their intern, I have free range to do as I like. I was given no guidance on my first story, other than to make sure it was done by Tuesday. I have been in journalism for years so I figured writing would be virtually the same; that was far from the truth. I have conducted over dozens of interviews but they were nothing like giving an interview for the paper. I am used to the comfort of a camera between me and my interviewee, but now I had to conform to having nothing. There is also a whole new level of pressure during interviews, a reporter must take notes and remember their interviewee's facial reactions; a camera recounts every aspect of an interview so the broadcast reporter does not have to. Along with adjusting to a different type of interviews, I had to learn how to write a story. I scanned dozens of past articles in my local paper, researched guides, and then prayed I could write a decent story. My first rough draft was painted in red ink that said WRONG, but every story I write comes back with less and less red ink. I have grown to love writing stories, I will start with a loose angle and then finish with a complete story. My favorite part of my weekend is when I am able to sit at my desk with the sounds of my computer keys filling my thoughts as I create my article for that week.  This opportunity to work with my local paper has given me a whole new appreciation and admiration for writing; I have grown as an interviewer and as a writer.