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.

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.

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.

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.