Dear readers,
As I complete my last few days of my internship for Cushing Citizen, Keystone Gusher and Yale News, I know that I leave with not only the newfound support and lessons taught from the welcoming staff at Cimarron Valley Communications, but a new layer implemented in the foundation of my career as a journalist.
When stepping through the doors of my first internship, there were the obvious feelings of apprehension and a wonder of what was to come. But as I sat in my first editorial meeting with J.D., Allie, DeAnna, Sapphire and Jeremy, the only feelings were one of welcome and eagerness to become a part of what is a wellequipped newsroom.
Through June to July, I was able to witness the overflow that comes with reporting in small towns, and despite coming from one of my own, I walked into this internship severely underestimating the vitality of local news. How it’s important for residents to understand that The Cushing Hub’s problems began before the United States war with Iran, why not enough understand that their neighbor could be lacking the simple necessities as they wave to them from their driveway, the ‘Stop the Hate’ event that serves as a second chance for so many and is perhaps only a mile down the road and how a small town coach laughs amidst a nine-year battle with ALS.
It was through these stories and more that I was fortunate enough to understand in a deeper sense why most reporters write, and exactly who they’re writing for.
I also had the opportunity to meet those who I believe have this understanding – if not a deeper one – at the Oklahoma Press Association Convention after my first full week of my internship. The chance to speak with reporters and editors and learn something from each of them was an invaluable experience as I step further into my career as a journalist.
As the summer continued, Allie and J.D. were trusting and gracious enough to allow me to pursue stories that I felt were important, while also giving me ideas based on the interests that I had coming in. Them, along with the rest of the staff, made it comfortable for me to ask for advice, while also trusting my angles for each of my stories. This freedom allowed me to grow in my confidence as a reporter as they sent me to various small towns, events and to speak with people who were willing to speak with me.
There was never a time throughout my internship that I was afraid to be wrong, ask multiple questions or pitch an idea, and that’s all due to the atmosphere that the newsroom provided for me since day one of walking in.
I could not have asked for a better first internship experience as I got the opportunity and privilege to attend the OPA Convention, fly in a plane and shoot photographs for a story and better understand why local news matters.
It matters because of the people who are willing to share their story or a brief moment with a college student simply because they can, and those who have helped me get to where I am now.
There will not be a day where words no longer matter, where people don’t matter and local journalism is a testament to each of these, and will continue to be long after this summer ends.