Oh! What A Wonderful Week!

I think the best thing that could have happened this week did.

Let’s start with Monday. I went with Adam May, weekday reporter, weekend anchor, on location to the street racing accident in Prince George’s County. I can’t describe how strange it was to see the ground spray painted with markings denoting blood trails and bodies, and to see scattered pieces of cars strewn about the roadside. It was definitely a unique experience.

People kept appearing and leaving. Some wanted to pay their respects, others were curious or concerned neighbors and others, well, just wanted to talk to the media.

I definitely learned just observing Adam. He definitely has a way of easing people into conversation and ultimately onto camera. We were pretty lucky, too. Every type of interview you would want to complete a story we had in the first hour on scene.

Adam was also very honest and upfront with me. Basically, he told me what to expect after I graduate, what my first job would be like, etc. These things I already knew, but he had the experience. He told me flat out what I needed to do and what I should have been doing all along. And, he was willing to help me do my own stand-ups, giving me great advice and pointing out what I need to work on. These stand-ups will be part of my resume tape…as good or as bad as they are. It was my first time on camera, so I guess I can’t be too upset with the final product.


Wednesday was really cool as well. So cool, in fact. Karen, the producer of the 4 o’clock news, asked me to write some stories (Kirstie Alley and Indiana I-94 accident. These are expanded stories, probably from the AP wire. This is just to give you a synopsis of what I wrote). I figured they would be blueprints for some one else to build from. However, they were used! My first stories written for broadcast! Hooray! It’s very exciting.

I think I’m a pretty good writer but it’s much more rewarding when others acknowledge your abilities. I like surprising people.

If it wasn’t for my broadcast journalism class, I would have been lost. I’m always amazed when I pull knowledge from the classroom. That whole education thing is worth it after all.

I still have tons of work to do, but at least I know I have start.