The best is yet to come

This week was mind blowing. On Monday, I had the opportunity to shadow Nefertiti Jaquez as she covered a story about two teenagers, one male and one female, who were found dead behind a shopping center in Roswell. Jaquez interviewed a former friend of the female victim and she said the female was special and lit up every room she entered. In addition, the male victim's friends said that he was popular and fun to be around. This story was sad but will be a great one to follow as the investigation continues. 

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to shadow Fred Blankenship and get a taste of his everyday routine. He arrives to the station at 3:30 a.m. and so did I. Although I was a little tired, he made sure to show me what he does everyday and give me great professional and personal advice. When he finished anchoring the morning shows, I went with him to South Atlanta High School as he gave teachers fruit before they started school the next day. Blankenship is such a people oriented person, and everyone loved him.  

On Wednesday, I completed my newsroom duties and said "see you later" to everyone I had the opportunity to meet and learn from this summer. 

I have enjoyed my time at WSB and can't believe it has come to a close so quickly. I have met some amazing people and had the opportunity to do some amazing things. This experience was just what I needed to go into my senior year and start my career. I am still in awe over this extraordinary opportunity God allowed me to experience. I can't wait to see what He has for me next as I enter a new chapter of my life. More great things are coming so stayed tuned!

See you later, WSB-TV. You will always hold a special place in my heart.

Lights, Camera, Action

This week was awesome! On Monday, I had the opportunity to shadow Nicole Carr as she continued to cover a story about a stepfather who shot and killed his stepson in their home. That morning, we drove by the home and the church where the stepfather confessed to killing his stepson to a police officer who was directing traffic after church. Also, Carr interviewed the young man who was the victim's former roommate and best friend at the victim's former high school. During the interview, the young man became overcome with emotion and was not able to finish the interview. At that moment, Carr gave him a hug and didn't force him to finish the interview. I saw how Carr had true and genuine compassion for the young man, and I was inspired.

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to participate in the intern newscast. This gave all of the news interns the opportunity to anchor and display one of packages we put together. We all had such a great time sitting in the seats of some of our favorite journalists and getting a taste of our future careers.

On Friday, I had the opportunity to shadow Liz Artz as she covered a story about a 14-year-old girl who was shot in the stomach at a back to school party. Artz interviewed a Dekalb Co. police officer and two teenagers who attended the party. In addition, she briefly spoke with the victim's mother via text message who confirmed that she was fine and still in the hospital recovering.

I am going into my last week, and I experiencing a lot of emotions. I can't believe this summer has gone by so fast. I have learned so much about this business and myself, most importantly. As I write this post and listen to the chapel service taught by you, Mrs. Baskin, and Dr. Baskin. I am reminded of how God wants to guide us and be in the big and small details of our lives. This internship was definitely an area where I had to completely trust God and wipe my hands clean. The journey has not always been easy, but God has been faithful. I promise I'm not trying to be overly emotional or sappy. I will be posting my final internship blog post next week so stay tuned!

Nicole Carr LIVE!

Liz Artz LIVE! 

My fellow intern and co-anchor Chandler and me before the newscast stared. 

Me after the newscast. Can you tell I was a bit excited? I could get used to this. 

Lights, Camera, Action

This week was awesome! On Monday, I had the opportunity to shadow Nicole Carr as she continued to cover a story about a stepfather who shot and killed his stepson in their home. That morning, we drove by the home and the church where the stepfather confessed to killing his stepson to a police officer who was directing traffic after church. Also, Carr interviewed the young man who was the victim's former roommate and best friend at the victim's former high school. During the interview, the young man became overcome with emotion and was not able to finish the interview. At that moment, Carr gave him a hug and didn't force him to finish the interview. I saw how Carr had true and genuine compassion for the young man, and I was inspired.

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to participate in the intern newscast. This gave all of the news interns the opportunity to anchor and display one of packages we put together. We all had such a great time sitting in the seats of some of our favorite journalists and getting a taste of our future careers.

On Friday, I had the opportunity to shadow Liz Artz as she covered a story about a 14-year-old girl who was shot in the stomach at a back to school party. Artz interviewed a Dekalb Co. police officer and two teenagers who attended the party. In addition, she briefly spoke with the victim's mother via text message who confirmed that she was fine and still in the hospital recovering.

I am going into my last week, and I experiencing a lot of emotions. I can't believe this summer has gone by so fast. I have learned so much about this business and myself, most importantly. As I write this post and listen to the chapel service taught by you, Mrs. Baskin, and Dr. Baskin. I am reminded of how God wants to guide us and be in the big and small details of our lives. This internship was definitely an area where I had to completely trust God and wipe my hands clean. The journey has not always been easy, but God has been faithful. I promise I'm not trying to be overly emotional or sappy. I will be posting my final internship blog post next week so stay tuned!

Nicole Carr LIVE!

Liz Artz LIVE! 

My fellow intern and co-anchor Chandler and me before the newscast stared. 

Me after the newscast. Can you tell I was a bit excited? I could get used to this. 

Lights, Camera, Action

This week was awesome! On Monday, I had the opportunity to shadow Nicole Carr as she continued to cover a story about a stepfather who shot and killed his stepson in their home. That morning, we drove by the home and the church where the stepfather confessed to killing his stepson to a police officer who was directing traffic after church. Also, Carr interviewed the young man who was the victim's former roommate and best friend at the victim's former high school. During the interview, the young man became overcome with emotion and was not able to finish the interview. At that moment, Carr gave him a hug and didn't force him to finish the interview. I saw how Carr had true and genuine compassion for the young man, and I was inspired.

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to participate in the intern newscast. This gave all of the news interns the opportunity to anchor and display one of packages we put together. We all had such a great time sitting in the seats of some of our favorite journalists and getting a taste of our future careers.

On Friday, I had the opportunity to shadow Liz Artz as she covered a story about a 14-year-old girl who was shot in the stomach at a back to school party. Artz interviewed a Dekalb Co. police officer and two teenagers who attended the party. In addition, she briefly spoke with the victim's mother via text message who confirmed that she was fine and still in the hospital recovering.

I am going into my last week, and I experiencing a lot of emotions. I can't believe this summer has gone by so fast. I have learned so much about this business and myself, most importantly. As I write this post and listen to the chapel service taught by you, Mrs. Baskin, and Dr. Baskin. I am reminded of how God wants to guide us and be in the big and small details of our lives. This internship was definitely an area where I had to completely trust God and wipe my hands clean. The journey has not always been easy, but God has been faithful. I promise I'm not trying to be overly emotional or sappy. I will be posting my final internship blog post next week so stay tuned!

Nicole Carr LIVE!

Liz Artz LIVE! 

My fellow intern and co-anchor Chandler and me before the newscast stared. 

Me after the newscast. Can you tell I was a bit excited? I could get used to this. 

Continuous preparation

This week was like no other. On Monday, I had the opportunity to shadow reporter Rikki Klaus as she covered a story about how the Atlanta Beltline and Piedmont Park have  overcrowded with Pokemon Go gamers. One Atlanta resident said that gamers get in the way of people who exercise, ride bikes or walk in those areas to take in the scenery. In addition, we had the opportunity to talk to a group of people who play the game regularly, even during their lunch breaks. The resident and group agreed that the game has brought people together in the midst of all of the tragedy in the world.

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to partake in "Atlanta Unite!," a televised forum hosted by WSB-TV. The forum featured a panel of community leaders including Mayor Kasim Reed and Police Chief George Turner and concerned Atlanta residents. The forum was meant to give the community the opportunity to ask questions about the current state of the city and hear from Atlanta leadership. I learned a lot from that powerful and one-of-a-kind experience.

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to shadow a WSB photographer as he captured footage for three different stories. My favorite was a back to school event hosted by Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless. They provided over 3,000 children with school supplies, food, clothes and more. Also, I had the opportunity to meet the daughter of Hosea Williams who also serves as the CEO of the foundation.

Every week provides me the opportunity to grow as a person and a journalist. From life skill to professional skills, I know God is using this opportunity to mold me into the person and journalist who will make a difference.

Before I go, the student newscast is on Wednesday, so I need all of the prayer warriors to come together and keep me lifted. I'm a little nervous but excited to do what I've always dreamed of doing. I promise to let you know how it goes!

Tune in next week!

Rikki Klaus LIVE!

Jovita Moore and Craig Lucie hosting "Atlanta Unite!" 

Do you notice someone special?

Mayor Kasim Reed and me. 

Jovita Moore and me. 

Jocelyn Dorsey and me. 

Actress and activist Elisabeth Omilami and me. 

Not stopping

This week was full of learning and excitement. On Monday, I had the opportunity to shadow anchor/reporter Wendy Corona as she covered a story about police officers who are receiving love and support from citizens in the midst of all the recent tragedy in the country. It was awesome to hear stories of people praying and caring for police officers instead of turning to violence and hatred. When this story was presented during the morning meaning, I immediately fell in love with it. I love having the opportunity to hear stories of people coming together in spite of hardships. It is inspiring and gives me confirmation of the stories I want to tell during my career. 

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to shadow reporter Tom Jones as he covered the court hearing of rapper Rick Ross and his personal manager who are facing charges including kidnapping, aggravated battery and aggravated assault after the two allegedly got into a heated confrontation with two of Ross' groundskeepers who had guest in Ross' guest home without his permission. Ross and his personal manager's legal defense teams asked the judge for immunity from prosecution on the charges because Ross and his manager said they were defending themselves. The judge did not make a decision whether to drop the charges or send the case to trial. Ross will appear back in court after Aug. 6 when he returns from traveling. 

I am continuing to push myself as far as I can go and soak up as much knowledge as I can. Every experience helps me to become stronger and wiser. I am excited for what lies ahead. 

Wendy Corona interviewing the Rockdale Co. sheriff. 

Who is this young man on the screen? It's me! 

Keep on keeping on

I learned and grew a lot within this week. On Monday, I had the opportunity to shadow anchor/reporter Linda Stouffer as she covered a story about a veteran's cemetery in Atlanta that is covered by trees and grass. To honor the veterans, Bridging the Gap of Georgia and others in the community came together to discuss how to clean and beautify the area. This will be an ongoing project. 

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to work with Stouffer again on a story about the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water resort coming to LaGrange. Although, this day was a little different. Stouffer stayed at the station and sent the photographer and me on the story. I was in charge of interviewing the city mayor and a local business owner. This experience gave me a taste of being a reporter and going out on my own. 

In addition, I am narrowing down and editing  the stories that I want to turn into packages. On July 27, also known as the day before my birthday, but I digress, I will be participating in the 30 minute student newscast, which gives interns the opportunity to anchor and display our packages. Please continue to keep me in your prayers on this journey. I am excited for what lies ahead. 

Me getting ready to interview the city mayor. 

Me in the tracking booth.