This summer, senior Kendra Gilchrist grasped what it took to be successful in a small-town newspaper setting as an intern for the Ludington Daily News as a summer reporter.
“I learned how to be flexible and always ready to go on a moment's notice in a small, fast-paced newsroom,” Gilchrist said. “The newsroom's scheduling tendency of being last minute was a bit of an obstacle at first because I like to have time to prepare, but I learned how to be quick on my feet.”
Her fondest memory was writing a profile on a prominent community member for her retirement. During the process she was shown an old photo album filled with many newspaper clippings.
“She had saved every article that ran in the paper about her business and work in the community,” Gilchrist said. “It was really touching to see how meaningful our stories as reporters can be for people.”
Getting hands-on newsroom experience outside of the classroom helped Gilchrist find her commitment for this field.
“This experience has only made my love for journalism stronger and solidified my desire to work in a newsroom full-time,” Gilchrist said.
Furthermore, her experience at a smaller newspaper taught her what type of newsroom she’s looking to find post-grad.
“It has shown me one of many newsroom dynamics and taught me what to look for in my career that will maximize my creativity and help me be the best journalist that I can be,” Gilchrist said.
Gilchrist wants those in the journalism field to learn as much as they can from others and be willing to engage in every opportunity possible.
“Always have an open mind and take on every task with confidence and appreciation,” Gilchrist said.
By Olivia Austin