PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – 320 hours of pure bliss. So many stories, guests mic’d up, smiles, and lessons. I can confidently say I didn’t waste a minute of it. To date, I have roughly 40 pages of handwritten notes from my time at WAVY. Every person I’ve had the honor of learning from at the station has a special place in my notebook. Their words stuck with me. And I will cherish them forever. With every fiber in my body, I thank each and every member of my WAVY family. It’s crazy I can say that now. Thank you for eagerly embracing me as a member of the team, never telling me to sit in the corner, or underestimating me because I’m an intern. My confidence has grown tenfold and because of this I can say I’m not just a better journalist, but a better Brooklynn!
There’s no place like home
Hailing from Miami, the 13-hour drive led to Hampton Roads becoming my home away from home. And being a Hampton University student, I was placed in a bubble of what I thought this place was. But I was mistaken. Being a Hampton Roads Show intern gave me a whole new look at the beauty, rich culture, and incredible people in the area. Because in just this short time here, I have a much deeper appreciation for the community and aspire to serve as best I can, even post grad. I’ve written over 30 web posts and scripts, connected with guest after guest, and even booth produced the show alongside my mentors. I may be biased, but HRS is possibly the #1 department! Special shoutout to my HRS family: Stephanie, Deborah, Kenisha, Chris, Patrice, Craig, Mal, Mark, and James. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Purpose
I’ve been able to write, edit, and produce over 5 packages in my time here, watching my storytelling get better and better each time. But that came with some challenges. Talking about the ‘bubble’ from before, covering heart wrenching stories from Norfolk to the OBX made me remove the rose-colored glasses. I remind myself that I’m here for a reason and no matter how difficult a topic can be, I have a duty to help another. Speaking to people who just received the worst news of their life places you in a difficult position. You have to be there for them, while also sticking to your purpose of telling their story. That can be tough sometimes because for the first time, I’ve been face-to-face with some of the evil in this world. But, with each reporter and photographer they reaffirmed one thing I’ve always kept close to my heart: Coming to everyone with nothing but positivity, empathy, and a smile on your face. Because in this line of work, that can make all the difference.
Every week, day, hour, minute, and second spent here means everything to me. It’s indescribable the amount of gratitude I have for WAVY TV 10. Thank you, God!
This isn’t a goodbye, but a see you later! I guess it’s time. But God willing, I’ll be able to say it again in the future…
‘Brooklynn Banks, 10 on your side.’
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