PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — As a newsroom intern, the days are always changing. I may be at the station, hanging out with the producers and digital team, watching them work feverishly to produce multiple stories. Or I may be out in the action, following a reporter and going through the unpredictable motions, which personally, are my favorite days. But, to my happy surprise, Monday was nothing like the typical strung-out start of the week. I was in for a ride! Are you ready to take a peek into a busy day in my life?

6:40 a.m. : RISE AND SHINE.

Good morning, world! I try to wake up by 6:30 a.m. every day, but this girl needed a little extra beauty sleep today. I did my usual morning routine: drank my ritual cup of coffee, picked out a business-professional outfit–typically a dress if I’m going out in the field, something more relaxed if I’m staying inside–read the verse of the day from the Bible App, grabbed a quick breakfast, and hit the road.

Though my commute to the station is longer than some might prefer, I actually enjoy it. That drive gives me time to get in the right headspace–listening to my favorite songs, mentally mapping out my day, and being one with my thoughts makes me appreciate the day ahead a little more.

9 a.m. : ENTERING THE PLACE WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS.

I usually arrive at the station around 9 a.m.—a bit earlier than required. I spend that time checking emails and staying up to date on stories before the 9:30 a.m. morning meeting. But today, things are a little different-I shadowed the promotions department, so no morning meeting for me!

9:30 a.m. : PROMOTIONS TIME!

To be honest, I had no real expectations for the promotions team. I figured they just made short commercials… but I quickly learned their role is so much bigger.

Well, turns out they get their hands into pretty much every department in the station. They are working very closely with the newsroom, making engaging teasers for the newscast. They are in charge of catching your attention when you are watching television—“Blondly locs turned baldly after a foul appointment with her hairstylist. Tune into WAVY for more tonight.”

They also collaborate with the sales team to make sure client commercials make it to air. I spoke with three amazing team members who broke down their roles—and they deserve an award for all the insight and advice they shared! Much like reporters, they write, shoot, and edit. But the goal is to pack punch and power into a very short segment. It’s all about color, graphics, and strong soundbites that make you stop scrolling or keep watching. I even got to play with the camera myself!

12:30 p.m. : OUT WITH A REPORTER.

After I finished shadowing the promotions department, I was determined to go out with a reporter. It was later in the day, so I knew my chances were slim– most reporters are out by 11 a.m. because they have to turn their stories in by 4 p.m. at the earliest. But lucky for me, two reporters were still in the building. I joined one who was covering a tragic murder case and got to witness how she carefully approached grieving family members.

With these cases, you have to be very cautious, making sure you are sensitive to the family because those wounds do not heal overnight. Watching how Regina handled such a delicate situation with compassion and professionalism reminded me of the emotional depth required in this career. Regina did an incredible job, not forcing family members to talk, and offering comfort instead of questions. The family just lost their son two days ago.

I think as a reporter, it is crucial to have an empathetic heart– it was very tough to see the family going through so much pain, something I had never encountered before. But that’s why it is so important to have reporters who have good intentions, airing a story to bring awareness, not for profit. As an intern, I stood back–no photos, no videos–just listening.

Out of respect for the family, I took no photos and just allowed them to speak with Regina– listened, but gave them their space. I talked to a friend of the family, learned who the victim was, and also the importance of educating communities on the realities of gun violence.

It was emotional, eye-opening, and a reminder of why ethical, empathetic journalism matters.

2 p.m. : BACK INTO THE OFFICE.

After watching Regina report on that heartbreaking story, it was time to watch her get straight to writing her script. I helped by reviewing interview clips, summarizing key takeaways, and pointing out any details she might’ve missed. Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon chatting with staff and writing this very blog post.

Your girl clocked out around 5 p.m.–a full, meaningful day in the books.