PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Coming into my first week at WAVY-TV, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I’m a proud graduating senior at Hampton University, originally from Baltimore, and stepping into one of Virginia’s biggest news stations felt both exciting and surreal. Within days, I realized this internship would be fast-paced, hands-on, and packed with opportunity—exactly what I hoped for.
On my first day, I was welcomed by Stephanie Cooke and began getting acclimated to the studio. I set up my system login, created my intern email signature and received my WordPress credentials. The little things—like seeing my name under a WAVY email address—made everything feel real.
The next day kicked off with energy! I jumped into assisting a podcast segment for SportsWrap OT and was introduced to Brian Parsons, Craig Loper and Jeff Snyder. Later that evening, I helped with the rundown and had the chance to watch Craig go live for his 10:45 p.m. sports segment. It was a crash course in hustle, precision and teamwork.
Thursday brought something completely new. I was with Mrs. Stringfield and she trusted me to take full control as floor director. From mic checks and battery swaps to wearing the headset and listening for producer cues—I got a real taste of what it takes to keep a live show moving. Bonus: we ended the day with some amazing food from VANG GO BISTRO!
Back with the Sports Department, I hit the field alongside Craig as we covered Keyshawn Davis and his brothers at their weigh-in. Not only did I capture a standup segment for myself (which was so exciting), but I also spotted a few celebrities. It was my first real glimpse into sports reporting outside the newsroom.
One thing I quickly realized is how different the studio and field experiences are—but how equally important they both are to great journalism. Whether it’s cueing up a mic or filming a live shot in real time, the energy and focus required are unmatched.
By the end of the week, I was helping with “supers”—those graphic overlays you see during broadcasts—and editing soundbites in Adobe Premiere. Every skill I touched felt like a building block towards becoming the well-rounded journalist I want to be.
This internship has already taught me that the news doesn’t wait—and neither does the hustle behind it. From the supportive team to the real-world experience, WAVY 10 has already left a mark on me in just two weeks. I’m beyond grateful and even more excited for what’s next.
