The past few months working at the Barrhead Leader have been absolutely rewarding. I was able to have my work published for the public to read and see work through the perspective of a reporter.
The opportunity to work in an institution that covers my domain of interest in media and communication is something that I will always value. I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into when I asked Meagan to have me around and show me the ropes of being a reporter, but I was excited nonetheless. I realized that opportunities like this aren’t always presented directly to us. Actually, they usually aren’t. You need to go out of your way and get what you want even if you don’t know how it is going to turn out, especially when its something you are passionate about. You have nothing to lose by going out there and trying, and that’s exactly what I did. The result? I was able to work alongside a talented reporter in many aspects of her work, including attending community events, interviewing individuals and learning basic theory.
Meagan tried her best to include me in as much of her reporter affairs as she could in the limited time that I had working there. She really didn’t have to take on a work experience student since it’s an extra responsibility and adds another element to her already busy schedule. However, the fact that she did agree to do that for me is something that I will always be grateful for.
I have learned a lot from doing work experience at the Barrhead Leader. It’s true that I’ve become knowledgeable about reporter morals and ethics, the correct way to go about asking for information for the paper, and the process in which the newspaper undergoes every week. However, I also gained knowledge in aspects that are applicable to everyday life, including how to be even more open with people, how to stay organized and on top of everything and the confidence you should have in yourself while doing something you love.
Although “thank you’s” will never suffice my immense gratitude for Meagan, I want to thank her again for the amazing experience, and allowing me to be part of something that I’ve always had a passion for, even if journalism isn’t my exact career in the future. I also want to thank everyone who read my few columns, and the people who went out of their way to congratulate me on my work in the paper. It really does mean a lot. Ten years from now, I can say that I was part of my local newspaper’s staff at age 17, even if it was for a few months.
Always remember: whatever you do in life, do it well. Don’t let anyone upset you. Know your limits, and then exceed them. Stay ambitious.
