280 hours later, it’s hard to believe it’s already over.
It feels like last week when I walked into the Lincoln County News and my editor, Brian Blansett, welcomed me with a soft tone saying “come on in.”
He showed me around the office and my own personal desk, then a few minutes later I was off and running as a journalist.
I ended up doing five interviews in my first week of work and learning photo techniques while shadowing Brian.
After that it was evident I was going to be functioning as an everyday journalist and doing real work, but I was still an intern.
It didn’t ever feel like it, though. Brian refined my work and gave me advice, but he never talked down to me.
Along with that, coworkers Baylee Blancarte and Emily Kalka treated me with nothing but respect and kindness, always being a helping hand.
They all made it easy for me to be comfortable in my role and I quickly came to love LCN. I not only bonded with my coworkers, but also our office baby, Banks, Baylee’s son.
Between taking a stroll with him in my arms, running around the office, yelling or hitting desks together, Banks was my buddy and a daily reason to smile.
The main reason I smiled, though, is because I loved my job and being a journalist.
Every day was an opportunity and, as they went by, my career path only became further cemented.
I plan to be a sports journalist and Brian helped me follow that passion, covering pro boxers, rodeo, softball, football, racing, baseball, track, cycling and sports video games.
He also challenged me to grow in generic journalism, where I covered farmers, muralists, code inspectors, highway and lawn care workers, school employees and events.
In the midst of covering everything, Brian had me take pictures every interview I did and even sent me on photo specific assignments.
I can gladly say I’ve grown substantially as an all-around journalist and a photographer, and formed a passion for both.
In all my work, what stuck out to me the most is an interview with Wirt Trawick, a 94 year old veteran and 1948 Stroud graduate.
In both of his healthy marriages, Wirt’s wives have passed away. Though he was all alone in assisted living, Wirt was nothing but joyous and kind.
In our interview he talked about his life stories in happy remembrance, and specifically his Stroud football days.
Smiling, he told me about planning his own funeral and writing his obituary, just joyful to be able to go out on his own terms.
Getting to interview and interact with Wirt struck me deep down about the importance of journalism.
Interviewing him, hearing his amazing journey and seeing how much joy he had because of my story about him, made me realize something.
That just like him, all people deserve their story to be told. Everyone has a story deserving recognition and I want to help tell it.
I wouldn’t have realized that without this internship and for that I’m eternally in debt to the Oklahoma Press Association and LCN.
Thank you to both for this amazing opportunity and growing me as a journalist. Thank you to Emily and Baylee for not treating me like an intern, but respecting and helping me as a coworker.
Thank you Banks for being a buddy.
And for my last thank you, here’s some context.
While at an OPA convention, everyone talked about Brian in the highest regard, telling me “there’s no one better to learn from” and “I was in good hands.”
I’m not sure if I’ve heard anything more true.
You’ve invested so much time and energy into me, taking me under your wing and showing me what being a professional journalist is.
One day, I hope to hold even half the credibility and respect that people have for you.
Thank you for everything, Brian.
It was an absolute pleasure being the summer intern and I can’t wait to see where my experience takes me next.