|
 
Working at a Dream
By Natasha Robinson
Special to chipsquinn.org
Posted: Sept. 6, 2007
Natasha Robinson |
I have never multitasked more in my life than I have this
summer while working for The Associated Press in Richmond, Va.
I simultaneously answered phones, researched and reported
stories and put news out on a broadcast wire – all at lightning speeds. In
between, I attended training sessions and news meetings to make sure our
coverage hit all the bases. And some days, my editor sent me out to pick up a quote
or two.
The experience was rigorous and positive. I gained skills
in broadcast writing and multimedia, in addition to honing my reporting and
writing skills.
I saw the First Amendment in action. Amid the hoopla as professional
football player Michael Vick and three others were arraigned on dog-fighting
charges, I watched the protestors and supporters arguing, dogs panting in the
heat and Vick finally walking out of the courthouse and speeding off in an SUV.
Protestors denounced Vick’s alleged actions. Supporters
argued that his case be allowed due process and that he be considered innocent until
proven guilty.
All in all, it was people peaceably assembling.
Also this summer, I attended AP Intern Week in New York City, where I was able to experience sights, sounds and smells that I’d never been
privy to. The weather was mostly hot and sticky, but I still shopped when we interns
weren’t attending sessions.
I soaked in as much information as I could about the
Associated Press and why it is essential, and possible career paths within the
company.
My internship has taken me to places that I wouldn’t have
dreamed of going—like the Virginia Derby, my first horse race. I wasn’t there
to cover the sport but to interview people who attended and to get color.
I also almost helped to cover what would have been Virginia’s 99th execution, but the governor did not allow the execution to go
forward.
The biggest lesson I learned this summer is to dare to
dream—and not just to dream, but to work on making the dream a reality.
My dream is multifaceted, but I know I can do everything
that I’d like to do and still not skip a beat.
That’s been the beauty of networking and having great
programs like Chips Quinn.
Back to top
|