An Intern’s Perspective
An Intern’s Perspective
Written by Felicia Ingram
Interning here at theCO has been more amazing than I could have imagined. I was told that the journalism industry is dying and that it will be hard to get into. I even doubted myself at times as a creative—wanting to forsake my passion for nursing my sophomore year in college, but the words of a mother quickly snapped me out of that. I stayed with it; communication in any form is my passion. I was thankful to have my skills tested at theCO.
As the communications intern, my job was to write pieces for The Jackson Sun and blog posts. To accompany my writing efforts, I also continued a video series I started my freshman year of college, SoTodayAtSchool.
I had absolutely no idea what to expect going into the job, but I found that it wasn't a job at all.
I never “went” to work. My job was to be me—to write, capture thoughts, and sometimes clean.
One work day I watched half-grown men become kids again in a water balloon fight for a 731Day promo video. Other days I messed up taco orders at Tulum and ate cupcakes. I was often typing and taking in moments of others. I shared my guitar with theCO’s friendly neighborhood rocker Dan Drogosh and had singing battles with Korey Adams. I often called Jeremiah “Jeremy” because of my fandom for Jeremy Lin. I got outdone in sarcasm by Ben Thorell’s dry sense humor.
As I pause to reflect on this summer, I can say that, yes, I have made mistakes, but I can also say that I have been graced to learn from them. I have found peace in knowing that I am human and editing is necessary. We are all rough drafts in need of a second opinion and a red pen to rewrite our wrongs.
I will take with me all the lessons learned and things explored. I’ve learned that if there is something I want to do, I should just go for it and not talk myself out of it.
Just as my other work experiences, the thing that I will always remember is the people. I will remember that vulnerably isn't weakness; it is the strength to admit you have no idea what you're doing, and it’s necessary in life.
The thing that I found the most is that our mistakes don't define us.
I haven't quite made it to my final draft, but I will keep writing until I do. Whatever you do, don't stop writing. Someone might read the book you bleed.