Intern Diaries

As much as I have complained about sources not calling me back or having to rely on them to complete my work, I have to admit their stories are so interesting. Sometimes I catch myself asking questions that I didn’t write down before I started the interview. I get lost in what she is talking about and want to know more.

Just the other day, I spoke to a woman who helps run a business for students on the cusp of entering college. Being the college student that I am, I was very intrigued. She helps them know more about scholarships and filing their FAFSAs. Basically her overall goal is to get them through college without debt! Sitting here with thousands of dollars of tuition debt, I suddenly wished I had met her years ago.

Then there were all the amazing doctors I interviewed when I wrote the children’s health section. They are so incredibly intelligent and specific in their fields. I was blown away. I’m sure the years of medical school have helped them, but it’s reassuring to know doctors have their stuff figured out. Plus, they were so kind to take time out of their busy schedules to speak with me.

Oh and there are the people I’ve talked to who are so unbelievably passionate about their causes it gives me chills. Since I have been writing the main event for the happenings calendar the past couple issues, I have talked to a lot of sources who run benefits and events that sponsor charities. These people are more than willing to share their stories because they know an article in IW can increase the chances of getting others involved.

And then, of course, there are the sources that I have spoken to throughout my internship that might have ruined my day. But to be nice, I won’t mention those people.

I think this is one of the greatest attributes I enjoy about being a journalist— talking to people and finding out their stories. Learning how different people live, finding out what’s new and just having a conversation with someone I don’t even know makes the job interesting. As soon as they answer my phone call, a story begins to combine in my head. It’s just an awesome feeling to hear about someone’s life and then put it into your own words for others to read.



by Whitney Riggs