We have a Daybreak intern here at ABC 15. Her name (I just asked her if she wished to remain annonymous, she said she didn't care) is Ashley. She is a senior at ASU. In fact, she's sitting here right next to me as I'm typing all of this. Reason being... well, I'm trying to show her what we do here... and I feel badly, because I feel like I could be doing more to further her educational experience. So... I came up with the idea to be her interviewee... (I just turned to her and smiled... she had no idea I'm doing this. So, now, I'll explain to her what this means... basically... her first assignment as a reporter.)
Fire away, Ashley... ask me anything about my job.
"When did you first know you wanted to be a journalist?" She asks.
"Well, I've always loved to write - even as a kid! That's back when we actually wrote with a pencil and paper, too. So, journalism seemed the route for me."
Ashley: how long have you been in the business?
Jenn: Hmm... well, I really felt as though I "started" in the business in college at NAU. They had a student-run TV station there... and I've been working ever since.
Ashley: Any funny reporter experience stories, etc?
Jenn: Like embarassing ones... or just funny moments?
Ashley: whichever one would make me laugh so hard I could cry.
Jenn: I feel like crying sometimes when my alarm clock goes off at 1:15am. But, the job is fun... once I get there. Well, let's see... umm, I may be the most boring reporter ever. I don't think I've had that experience yet. However, when you work with a photographer, and you are both tired and cramped from sitting long hours in a car driving to and from a story shoot... the delirium of the day can cause spontaneous laughter - it's hysterical... but you have to be there. You'll see what I mean, someday.
Ashley: any horror stories?
Jenn: I've seen the dark side of life. Murder victims, child abusers... that is horror to me.
Ashley: How long do you want this interview in your blog to be?
Jenn: That's funny!!! Ok - let's wrap it up. One more question.
Ashley: What's the best part of your job?
Jenn: Well, I have a multi-faceted answer: I'm impressed with how many people still care about current events... Sometimes, it seems as though we live in such a passive society -- however, people still feel compelled to leave comments about stories we do, people email me their thoughts on issues -- that's so great. It shows we're still alive and kickin' -- even though sometimes it seems as though there is a lack of -- well, interest, in our community, what's going on in the world, etc.
I also love thinking that I made one person smile. (Cheesy answer, but it's true.) The fact that I'm not cooped up in a cubicle all day is great, too. And, my job forces me to read and study and never stop learning. How's that?
Ashley: fantabulous. I feel inspired. And slightly tired.
Jenn: well... I hate to say get used to it... but, we can talk about that over coffee sometime. Strong coffee. :)