Looking Back

         My experience at U of M has launched me into this internship. From classes to everyday inspiration from fellow students, my encounters at U of M taught me much about how to thrive in a constantly changing, stimulating and challenging environment. Even more than the classes I took this past year, I think the lessons I learned in this internship will come more into play as I immerse myself in my classes in the upcoming year. With my prerequisites behind me, the classes such as my “Views in the News” class are now directly relevant to the career I am pursuing.

 During the last week of my internship I tied up a lot of loose ends. I met the people I’ve been meaning to introduce myself to, talking to Marla Drutz, the VP of WDIV, and went out with a reporter and photog. The shadowing experiences and casual talks I had with some of these ‘high-ups’ were extremely eye opening in that the people were very open. For an industry wrought with sensationalism and a reputation for talent with big egos, the people at WDIV were nothing but gracious, guiding and encouraging. With the end of the internship approaching I realize that I am never going to feel as if my work at a station like this is done and that just means I am pursuing a career in a field I am truly passionate about. My passion is definitely fueled and enhanced by my liberal arts education. I have learned that this broad-based education is necessary in enabling me to have a conversation about nearly any topic. From politics to technicalities of screen arts, to be able to hold a nuanced discussion with anybody from an interviewee to an anchor demonstrates a great amount of maturity.

One particular experience that stuck with me was the pop-up yoga shoot I went on with our video journalist, Michelle Oliver. The shoot included me interviewing the teachers and participants in the class then participating in the 5 mile bike ride to Belle Isle and doing a bit of yoga and some more interviewing on the river-front. This was an incredibly interesting shoot that displayed Detroit at it's rising potential. It's not just a city riddled with crime and destruction, but one with a rich history and an enormous amount of potential for growth and diversity in it's future. I'm excited to see how the media continues to show Detroit in this positive light of revitalization.