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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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