A Year-Old Newby
One year ago today I walked into this newsroom. I was unaware of what lay ahead, ambitous, energetic, and thoroughly confused. The first day can be daunting for anyone who’s ever had a job. The first day as a TV reporter can be terrifying.
If nothing else, my first day never had a dull moment. I showed up at the morning meeting barely able to find my way to the station from my new apartment much less navigate nearby roads to several new destinations. As reporters finished pitching their stories, Larche the news director looked at me and raised his eyebrows. “What’ve you got?” he said. I had nothing. A moment of panic ran through me as I scrambled for any glimmer of a newsworthy idea. Luckily he smiled and laughed. So I wasn’t expected to know my new city, travel-worn and wide-eyed, like the back of my hand. I was, however, assigned a story. And after that, another story. And after that another. 14 hours later I finished my first day of work.
I look back at that marathon day, the feeling of unexpectedly going live for the first time, and the hazy confusion of it all. I was so thankful to have the help of our former Chief Photographer and fellow former class-mate Bree Sison. Maybe it was because my professor told managers I was superwoman, maybe they were just breaking me in or testing me, but I figure I’m here a year later so I must’ve passed.
In one year, I’ve learned a lot about reporting and several aspects of my job, but also about myself. I now know I have the confidence and steady hand to interrupt local programming and report breaking news. I can work under a pressing deadline and get it all done. I can also make life-long friends, memories, and live comfortably far away from home. Not to say I don’t miss it quite often.
A year later and still the newby of the station, I wonder what the next will bring. Hopefully more opportunity, experience, and maybe a new reporter.
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About Me
I was born and raised just outside the nation's capital in northern Virginia, and recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a major of Broadcast Journalism and minor in International Relations. I studied abroad for a while in Italy and also traveled to Shanghai, China for a journalism class. During college I worked at CBS6 in Richmond, VA as well as FOX5 in Washington D.C. I'm glad to be in sunny Florida and look forward to making Panama City my home for the next few years...
Recent Entries:
- World of Couch Potatoes
- Trying the Trolley - Day 5
- Trying the Trolley - Day 4
- Trying the Trolley - Day 2
- Trying the Trolley - Day 3
- Trying the Trolley - Day 1
- A Year-Old Newby
- Throwing a Bone
- Relay for Life a Success!
- Sometimes Too Removed
- Those Born Without Wings Should Jump Instead
- Those Born Without Wings Shouldn’t Fly
- February Sweeping me off my Feet
- Palm Trees and Pine Trees
- Staying in Shape
Other News13 Blogs:
- The Casual Historian - Larche Hardy
- Behind The Scenes - Heather Kretzer
- The Resident Gator - Megan Albright
- The Newby - Jessi Chapin
- Bloggin' From The Beach - Bree Sison
- Gainesville, Georgia's All American Girl - Tuquyen Mach
- ... and yes, my hair is naturally curly - Jessica Foster
- Derby Girl - Enocha Van Lierop
- Cracker Cat - Jeannie Weller
