Today was my last day at the Kokomo Tribune. I arrived on my usual time, wrote the best bets for Friday, and worked on the answer book before calling it quits and heading home. As I walked down the stairs for the last time a thought occured to me, now that I don't have my internship, and I haven't gotten a call back from either of the places I applied to, I have nothing. Even though it wasn't a job, and I didn't get paid, the internship felt like I was doing something with my college degree. Now that it is over, I will have to wait to get a job in order to write or edit again, and that may take some time considering it took three weeks to find out I didn't get either of the jobs I applied for. It could be months or years until I work for a paper or publishing company. In the meantime, I'll have nothing to make me feel like a writer or a success. I should have left feeling more confident and accomplished, but all I feel is depressed.
Aug 19, 2009
Aug 4, 2009
Comming to an End
After about three months, I finally picked an end date for my internship, which tentatively, is Aug. 18. I think I have learned all that I can from this experience. I've learned a little and wrote a lot. I've had a lot of fun and met some nice people. I especially liked working with Erin and Ken. I will never forget my first and second day there. It was really awesome how I got to dive right in. But now, I think I'm ready to move on. I'm starting to get busy and I need to concentrate on finding a career. I've come to realize that this internship will probably not help me get a job around here--because there aren't any. But it will give me the clips and experience to get a job somewhere else. So far, I've applied for two copyeditor positions and recieved a call from both. Both of them will get back with me in one or two weeks for an interview, so now all I can do is play the waiting game. Meanwhile, I will wrap things up at the Kokomo Tribune and try to get all of my personal framing projects done at Hobby Lobby so that I can purchase them with my discount.
Jul 31, 2009
Graduation Survey
I recieved an email from IU Kokomo wanting me to fill out a survey to inform them what I've been doing since graduation. Well, I've been working at Hobby Lobby, interning at the Kokomo Tribune, and reading a lot of manga while watching Roseanne. What I'd like to tell them is that I've got an awesome career doing what I love--and what I went to college to do.
If I wait a week or two to answer the survey, I may get a chance to say just that. That is, if I get hired. So, I'm going to wait it out. In the past, not many English majors reported having careers in their area of study--or any job for that matter. I'd like to help end that trend. Right now, answering that survey would be just as awkward and disheartening as talking to a classmate I haven't seen for awhile. The inevitable question always gets asked, "Where are you working?" Currently, I'm working retail. I don't want to put that on the survey any more than I like admitting it to others or myself. I want IU to read that Toni Betzner is a copy editor.
If I wait a week or two to answer the survey, I may get a chance to say just that. That is, if I get hired. So, I'm going to wait it out. In the past, not many English majors reported having careers in their area of study--or any job for that matter. I'd like to help end that trend. Right now, answering that survey would be just as awkward and disheartening as talking to a classmate I haven't seen for awhile. The inevitable question always gets asked, "Where are you working?" Currently, I'm working retail. I don't want to put that on the survey any more than I like admitting it to others or myself. I want IU to read that Toni Betzner is a copy editor.
Job of my Dreams
The job of my dreams posted a hiring ad a couple of weeks ago. I stumbled upon it after being contacted by an old coworker on a networking website. I noticed that the ad was posted on my fiance's birthday--July 13, which is coincidental. Or is it?
The position is for a copy editor at a great publishing company. Thirty-hour work weeks, seven-hour days, benefits, and an indoor gym. It's the job of my dreams. I applied immediately and I was lucky enough to receive a call a week later.
Today, with fiance and baby, I went to Indianapolis to take a grammar assessment test. In a week or so I will find out if nearly a week of studying grammar guides and the Chicago Manual of Style paid off.
I feel so much right now, it's difficult to compartmentalize my emotions. Getting this job would mean the end of financial struggles and a new life. While a part of me still rejects the idea of so much changing practically overnight, as we headed north towards home, and Indy shrank in the rear-view mirror, I knew it's what I want.
Someone predicted that college graduates of 2009 would take up to two years to find jobs after college. If I get hired at this company, I will be ahead of the game.
In the meantime, all I can do is wait and apply for other openings.
The position is for a copy editor at a great publishing company. Thirty-hour work weeks, seven-hour days, benefits, and an indoor gym. It's the job of my dreams. I applied immediately and I was lucky enough to receive a call a week later.
Today, with fiance and baby, I went to Indianapolis to take a grammar assessment test. In a week or so I will find out if nearly a week of studying grammar guides and the Chicago Manual of Style paid off.
I feel so much right now, it's difficult to compartmentalize my emotions. Getting this job would mean the end of financial struggles and a new life. While a part of me still rejects the idea of so much changing practically overnight, as we headed north towards home, and Indy shrank in the rear-view mirror, I knew it's what I want.
Someone predicted that college graduates of 2009 would take up to two years to find jobs after college. If I get hired at this company, I will be ahead of the game.
In the meantime, all I can do is wait and apply for other openings.
Jul 15, 2009
Taking a Chance
I used to wish I had a different name. One that sounded more suitable for a writer. Something that flowed better and had more than two syllables. Now, I'm glad my name is Toni. Toni is a great name for a writer, because it doesn't rhyme with any bad words or body parts. This occured to me the other day, because one of the writers on the paper has a name that easily sounds like bastard. This, of course, had occured to the woman who wrote a complaint about him, exclaiming that he should be fired.
Apparently, he was not the only writer under fire that day. It seemed like everyone received either a nasty email or phone call--except for the unimportant intern that is. I quietly dabbled in my work while the entire newsroom became enraged.
This has pretty much made up my mind on whether or not I want to be a writer. Last night, I promptly applied for the job of my dreams. I had ruled out living in Indy because of the crime, and the fact that I don't like merging, but I think I'll risk getting shot at the Walmart and colliding with a semi if it means I won't have to write. I've already received more feedback from this company than the last place I applied to, even though it is only an email acknowledging that they recieved my resume.
I realize, I could do something I don't want to do because it's easier, or I could take a chance and maybe get a job that I'll really like. So, we'll see what happens.
Apparently, he was not the only writer under fire that day. It seemed like everyone received either a nasty email or phone call--except for the unimportant intern that is. I quietly dabbled in my work while the entire newsroom became enraged.
This has pretty much made up my mind on whether or not I want to be a writer. Last night, I promptly applied for the job of my dreams. I had ruled out living in Indy because of the crime, and the fact that I don't like merging, but I think I'll risk getting shot at the Walmart and colliding with a semi if it means I won't have to write. I've already received more feedback from this company than the last place I applied to, even though it is only an email acknowledging that they recieved my resume.
I realize, I could do something I don't want to do because it's easier, or I could take a chance and maybe get a job that I'll really like. So, we'll see what happens.
Jul 1, 2009
Validation vs. Doubt
Last week, after my story about Harmony Inc. ran, I got a call from the woman I interviewed for the story thanking me for writing a wonderful article and telling people about the event. It was very validating as a writer to receive her praise especially while I've been doubting if this is something I really want to do--or would even be good at. Even with this compliment, I am still torn, especially as I sit at my desk, which is really Addie's desk, and look around the newsroom at the real writers. They all seem so confidant/competent at what they do. I know I'm a good writer, as far as writing soft news and local events, but these people are tackling the hard news: stories about fires, arrest, court cases, budget meetings, and all kinds of stuff I can't fathom, let alone write a decent/intelligent article about. I just fear that my limitations of what I can cover (well) will prevent me from getting a good job. I'd love to do what Erin does: work for a lifestyles section and just write community events and a column every week.
Jun 24, 2009
Bad Start/Good Finish
Got off to a bad start today. I got up late and had to clean a ink mark and soda spill from my new car. After that, things started to improve. I got my interview and a lot of laundry done. Not to mention, some much needed rest and relaxation.
Jun 23, 2009
End of a hectic week
I've been so busy, I forgot to update this blog. I've been buying/selling cars, calling insurance companies, working, and having garage sales. My blog just sort of fell to the bottom of the priority list. Meanwhile, despite life being so hectic, I've still been busy and having fun at my internship. I finally had my first article published with a byline. That one just got printed, and already I'm working on another. I'm glad Erin is finally giving me more to do. Now, I'll finally have clips for my portfolio from a paper other than the Correspondent.
Also, I applied for a general reporter position. So far, haven't heard back.
Also, I applied for a general reporter position. So far, haven't heard back.
Jun 10, 2009
Adding to the work load
Well, it's been five weeks. So far I've written the best bets every week, a press release about a barbershop convention, worked on the answer book, and observed Ken Bastide's interviews. I feel ready to add some weight to my workload--now that my cold is almost over. I want to be assigned more stories, or maybe pitch a few ideas of my own. One of the writers did request that I help him with some of his articles. I eagerly agreed. Maybe I'll finally get to write something with a byline.
Week four/ Day two
Well, this was the most challenging week so far, but not because Erin gave me a press release to write in addition to the best bets; but, because I had a really bad cold. Week four of my internship was day two of my cold. My entire body ached and I lost my voice. As an intern, writing for the lifestyles section, my main job duty is calling people on the phone for interviews, so that basic task was difficult. However, I still managed to get my assigned task finished in time.
May 26, 2009
All the Answers
I may be the one in charge of the answer book, but Erin has all the answers in the newsroom. In addition to answering the phone and questions from walk-ins and other staff members, she took the time to answer a lot of questions I had about my portfolio--questions that have thwarted the minds of my professors and advisers--like what to submit for an editing sample and whether to use the actual newsprint or printer copy.
I've still got a lot of questions that need answers before I'm ready to become a writer. But I feel more experienced and educated after three days at the Tribune than I did after four years of college. My level of confidence has risen faster than a teenager's hormones at puberty. I can even hear the confidence and self importance echoing in my clunky, swaggering footsteps.
I've still got a lot of questions that need answers before I'm ready to become a writer. But I feel more experienced and educated after three days at the Tribune than I did after four years of college. My level of confidence has risen faster than a teenager's hormones at puberty. I can even hear the confidence and self importance echoing in my clunky, swaggering footsteps.
May 22, 2009
A writer's debut
I almost forgot to buy a paper today. I remembered on the way home from work--barely. I also didn't remember to bring change, so I had to use my debit card for a 50 cent purchase.
50 cents bought me the Friday's edition of the Kokomo Tribune, but the only part I wanted was the first page of the Lifestyles section. My first articles, the Best Bets, were published in this edition. Although my name doesn't appear in a byline, these short articles will be great clips in my portfolio.
It's not like I haven't had my name in print before. I even wrote some front-cover stories for the Correspondent. However, I feel more like an official writer now, because my articles appeared in a local paper.
Happy to see my articles in print--can't wait to see my name though.
50 cents bought me the Friday's edition of the Kokomo Tribune, but the only part I wanted was the first page of the Lifestyles section. My first articles, the Best Bets, were published in this edition. Although my name doesn't appear in a byline, these short articles will be great clips in my portfolio.
It's not like I haven't had my name in print before. I even wrote some front-cover stories for the Correspondent. However, I feel more like an official writer now, because my articles appeared in a local paper.
Happy to see my articles in print--can't wait to see my name though.
Fun first day
My first day, I didn't know what to expect. I had a job shadow with Erin in the fall where I observed the daily task of a writer, which involved eating bratwurst at the downtown festival and interviewing a drunk man. I was pleasantly surprised when she got me started right away. Soon after she saw me enter she set me to work on the Best Bets for Friday's paper. She didn't think I would enjoy them, but I wrote short pieces about upcoming events all the time for the Correspondent, so this was something that I had experience with. It was just the sort of task I needed to build my confidence.
Erin is my mentor and supervisor, but I'm eager to learn from everyone in the newsroom. I went to Flora with Ken Bastide to interview people about the fire that killed three people. I learned a lot about interviewing ethics and tracking down leads, not to mention deer whistles.
The first day was pretty busy, but it was fun. I was really nervous the night before, but all that vanished within moments of working with Erin.
Erin is my mentor and supervisor, but I'm eager to learn from everyone in the newsroom. I went to Flora with Ken Bastide to interview people about the fire that killed three people. I learned a lot about interviewing ethics and tracking down leads, not to mention deer whistles.
The first day was pretty busy, but it was fun. I was really nervous the night before, but all that vanished within moments of working with Erin.
Ready to Learn
After four years of college and three years writing/editing for my campus paper, you think I'd feel ready to get a job (Maybe I would if they weren't all in Indianapolis.). However, whether due to the lack of specific training at my college or just my usual self doubts, I chose to take an internship this summer instead of looking for a legitamite job.
Although I majored in English in order to edit, I'm interning at the Kokomo Tribune as a writer for the Lifestyles section with Erin Shultz. Writing isn't what I necessarily want to do, but I may have to. Better than working retail.
I have a bad memory, at times; so, just like anything I learned in lectures, I plan on writing about everything I do. I remember things better if I have a written record; so, I'm writing this blog as a record of what I do over the summer so I can look back on it.
Although I majored in English in order to edit, I'm interning at the Kokomo Tribune as a writer for the Lifestyles section with Erin Shultz. Writing isn't what I necessarily want to do, but I may have to. Better than working retail.
I have a bad memory, at times; so, just like anything I learned in lectures, I plan on writing about everything I do. I remember things better if I have a written record; so, I'm writing this blog as a record of what I do over the summer so I can look back on it.
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