Both of my summer work experiences were very different from each other. One opened my eyes to the reality of reporting life. It helped me to learn how to cope around different tough situations one can face in the means of getting the information out. It forced me to work on getting my editing done faster and better. It pushed me to explore what I can be able to do when working under pressure. I think it was a good example of how an entry level reporter position would feel like.
The other one taught me about TV production and helped me develop the required skills for it. To analyze the real message a package gives, to choose wisely the “sound bites” or “sound on tape” (SOT´s) out of multiple interviews. It made me apply all news values and appreciate better non-partial and non-sensationalistic journalism. I now know about how international networks operate in a correspondent system and got to meet very important people who could be key for my future.
These experiences did not only affect me in the professional aspect. I was also growing as a person, opening my mind to new situations and growing spiritually. Each and every story I was encountered with generated a change in me, in how I view things, in how I see journalism as a career, as a journey.
I enjoyed working all summer long, but Oh how happy I was to come back to Searcy and Live at Five once again! I mean, I’ve learned to appreciate the calm Searcy without murdered people every day or images of virgins appearing carved on wood sticks or beehives. After these two experiences the job at the school’s TV station seems so less stressful. And after working as an assistant producer this Fall 2010, I feel ready to apply for a producing position at TV 16 next semester. Let’s see how that works.
