PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Eight weeks. Fifty-six days. 80,640 minutes. This is the time I spent at WAVY. Whether this time looks like a little or a lot, my time here has come to a swift end.
In this period of time, I have learned so much that a lecture could never come close to. And to commemorate my time at WAVY, I want to highlight eight significant moments, lessons and people that impacted my internship.
1. Working with Madison Pearman
This particular day will forever stick with me. I traveled more than an hour away from Portsmouth with reporter and anchor Madison Pearman to cover a breaking story in Mathews County. When she asked me to come with her, I had no idea I would see and experience so many eerie things, or hear such a shocking story.
What initially was supposed to be a jailhouse interview turned into a home interview with a sorrowful mother and a trip to an active crime scene. With this being such a monumental story, one would think a whole crew would be sent out with us. Yet that wasn’t the case. Madison conquered the day entirely by herself, which was a feat.
Watching her showed me the realities of what MMJs go through, and to see her strength was amazing to witness. Working with Madison also showed me the power of managing one’s emotions and remaining positive in the face of adversity.
We had several deadlines to reach, and instead of panicking when things did not go as planned, Madison reassured herself, and me, that we would be OK, and it “will all work out.”
For respect of the family impacted, I won’t share all the gory details, yet this was a story I had to mentally recover from, especially since I had to face it firsthand. Although this was a very hard day, it never once crossed my mind that maybe this isn’t for me. It only reaffirmed that this is what I want to do.
2. Sportswrap chronicles
I am not a sports journalist by any means, but one of the most productive days came from working with Craig Loper in sports. Craig pushed me very hard to grow and learn on the spot, which I loved. He worked with me step-by-step to gather information, write and edit scripts, create the supers, cut and edit video and actually record live.
It was challenging, yet exciting, to learn on the fly. I also learned that the sports world is full of hype and excitement, and that has to be shown in the delivery. It felt crazy at first watching Craig be super animated in the studio, but I quickly understood this is the only way talking about sports makes sense, if it’s exciting and gives you the rush as if you are actually there.
I loved being able to practice a full show, yet it was so hard to keep up. Sports reporting is not for the weak or for people who just like sports. You truly have to be knowledgeable about sports as a whole and have that personality to captivate the audience, all while keeping up.
3. Markeshia & Blake: Nightside reporting
I truly enjoyed working with reporter Markeshia Jackson and photographer Blake Smith covering nightside news. I was able to go out with them and cover a story about what the Norfolk community is doing to renovate and transform Calvert Square and Young Terrace.
Working with Markeshia emphasized the importance of what it means to be a community face and someone to rely on. Her relationships with community leaders and residents are something I admire. Her kindness and bright personality get others around her to open up and speak to the camera.
Markeshia does not just interview; she has conversations that make a difference in how everything is put together.
Blake is a great photographer to work with because he truly pays great attention to detail and always puts Markeshia in the best light. He won’t stop until he gets her angles perfectly, which I admire. I want to work with people who will always put their best foot forward and ensure that I look and sound my best before filming.
I was also able to assemble a package completely, and it was a rewarding feeling to finish it before the 10 p.m. deadline. Both Blake and Markeshia encouraged me throughout the entire process.
I was actually extremely nervous to tackle this project and try to make a slot, but it taught me that I am capable and know more than I think. Sometimes we tend to count ourselves out or think we aren’t capable, yet with guidance and confidence, there is so much more beneath the surface.
I’ve learned that putting my best foot forward, even in situations I am not completely sure about, pays off. I also had so much fun with Blake and Markeshia. Working with people who not only get their job done, but also make it a positive and uplifting experience, makes it even better.
4. Morning meetings
Out of all of the things I looked forward to in my internship, the morning meetings were definitely the thing I looked forward to attending daily. I learned so much just by listening.
I learned how to properly pitch a story, fight for a story and what is considered valuable to the market here in Hampton Roads. Keeping the viewer in mind is important.
I also loved hearing all of the information that is given in these meetings. It’s a daily “tea time” because you truly hear a lot of things that are “off the record” that tie into the story pitching process.
I also learned the art of what is needed for certain stories. Understanding time constraints, who to contact, accessing documents and so much more is vital to getting the story.
I also loved watching Dominic Ross, the assignment manager, lead the meetings alongside the news directors. His job is honestly so cool, and I could see myself in the role. He plays a vital role in what stories could be selected — in addition to the news director, of course.
The main thing I admire about Dominic is that he keeps order and does his job well.
Morning meetings also feel like home. Everyone comes in and greets each other, and everyone shares ideas, opinions and more. Sometimes conflict arises with disagreements, but what family doesn’t argue?
Overall,I just loved feeling engaged in the meetings and seeing everyone come together.
5. Regina, Andy, Jeremy
For those who don’t know, I grew up watching WAVY. I grew up watching local news, and to be in the same spaces as those I grew up watching was surreal.
I have to give flowers to anchor and reporter Regina Mobley. Not only is she an alum of my illustrious university, Norfolk State, but she is a true journalist with her ear always to the ground. She came into every morning’s meeting with an in-depth story or strong lead.
Regardless if her story is taken seriously or not, she brings the heat every single time. A journalist has to be aware of the people and communities the station serves, and Regina has a network that only real relationships can hold.
Her network isn’t just through social media but through authentic relationships and connecting with everyone on every level. I love seeing other reporters come to her for connections relating to stories. She is an asset to WAVY and a diamond in the rough.
Her grace and demeanor is also something that I love. Her kindness towards me was unlike any other. A genuine spirit is hard to find, and she has it. It was an honor getting to talk to her and learn from watching her.
When I think of WAVY, I think of reporter Andy Fox.
Andy Fox is a living legend as well, and his passion for storytelling is what captivates me. One morning meeting, everyone got on his case about a certain story he wanted to share and his response was something like this:
“I have to get this out, this matters, and we have to be their voice.”
Andy’s attitude towards exposure and getting justice for those who need it may be looked down upon, but to me, he truly serves his community by highlighting what most would sweep under the rug and turn the other way.
His passion is something I want to inherit and hope that one day my stories make an impact like his. I also want his fearless attitude.
Most of my days at WAVY were sunny with clear skies, and I had the opportunity to shadow meteorologist Jeremy Wheeler. I grew up watching Jeremy, and being able to be in his space hit harder than I expected.
Again, it was a realization that I am really in the spaces I prayed about and had before me as a child.
Jeremy Wheeler is also a true kind soul. Although almost everyone at WAVY is kind, both Regina and Jeremy have a different sort of light within. Jeremy was very kind to me every time I saw him, and when I got to work with him, he was very attentive.
I got to see his world up close, and what he does is way more than just tell you what the weather is. The amount of preparation and detail that goes into putting the weather on TV each day is something more people should see.
I could never do what he does, but I truly admire it.
6. ‘Top of the Morning’
My absolute favorite part of my internship was working the 3 a.m. “graveyard” shift. I worked with reporter Keagan Hughes and reporter Nick Broadway. I also worked with the amazing photographer LaVoy “LV” Harrell.
It’s something about being outside when everyone else is sleeping. I truly despised getting up in the morning to make it to WAVY in time, but the adrenaline I get every time walking into WAVY at 3 a.m. is worth it.
I loved covering the fires and hearing the crime (yes, that sounds terrible), but I want to know and want to be there to find out what is going on. This shift also teaches you the power of finding something new with each passing hour.
With this shift, the time flies, and before you know it, it’s time to go, and the world is waking up. This shift never feels like work to me. It sounds crazy, but I love it.
I learned a lot from both Nick and Keagan, but LV truly gave me a lot of gems that have changed my mindset on the industry and have encouraged me to keep going.
LV always captured me in the best light and pushed me at times where I felt like “I wasn’t ready,” yet in reality, I was just scared.
I learned editing tips, and I finally know what camera equipment I will purchase for my personal growth because he took the time to weigh the options and help me make an informed decision.
7. Sisterhood
The relationships I have made at WAVY I will forever cherish. Yet I would not have made it through this internship without the sisters who watched over me while I was here. To my older sisters Dana, Aesia, and Kihanna, thank you (Also, to my aunties Nikia and Kenisha, thank you).
Having older sisters here at WAVY made the transition into the internship easy. Although I had met plenty of the WAVY team beforehand, my sisters who work here were in my corner before I ever set foot through the door.
They were also all excited to hear the news that I finally got the opportunity to be here.
When I needed advice or feedback, one of them was always there to give me a moment of their time. When I needed help standing up for myself, they were there. When I needed encouragement, they were always there.
Seeing women who look like me do what I aspire to do is an inspiration in itself. One thing I hope to get when I begin my professional role is this same sisterhood, and I hope to one day be able to give someone in my shoes today the same level of support and encouragement.
8. Every department matters
As this internship comes to a close, I am overwhelmed with all of the knowledge I got to soak up. If nothing else sticks with me, I will definitely take away that every single department plays a vital role, and without one, none would be able to stand.
From Engineering, Sales, Promotions to News, Producing, Editing, Digital, et cetera, every department matters.
What makes a newsroom go round is everyone putting thier best foot forward and always considering what is best for the station above themselves.
Everyone has to be selfless and think about the viewer in every capacity.
The final takeaway
I love WAVY and will forever be grateful to Jane Alvarez-Wertz, my supervisor, for taking a chance on me and giving me an opportunity to get my foot in the door.
I have learned I am not as behind as I psyched myself out to be, and that I truly belong in news and mass media.
The skills I gained at WAVY have pushed me forward and have made me a better journalist. I now have even clearer insight as to what I want to do, and this has fueled my passion to go into reporting on the scene.
To everyone who worked with me, sat with me, encouraged me and mentored me in any form or fashion, thank you. I promise to make you all proud.
