First day on the job @ 24 Hours

Several weeks ago, the editor of 24 Hours newspaper in Vancouver came to my Kwantlen News Production class and talked to me and my peers about internship opportunities with the paper.

Only myself and @JYip78 took him up on the offer, so we both got the position.

Today was my first day, and I was absolutely terrified to be going to work for a Vancouver daily. Even with a year and a half of j-school under my belt, I felt completely out of my element going into this.

In my anxiousness, I got lost on my way to the office, but still arrived early.

The day started right away. I got my own desk and computer, and began searching the web for local news stories.

And what a day to be in a newsroom: 10 people were shot on Oak Street and West 22nd. Not only did I get to see how the reporter covering the incident worked on the story, but I got to find out what was happening, when it is was happening, as updates came in throughout the day. (I was also working just blocks away from the crime scene…)

The experience was stressful, but I learned a lot.

I learned that I can work under pressure and on a tight deadline, and that I still need to work on my story-hunting skills.

My first article will be published in tomorrow’s paper. Very exciting!

And now, I have journalism homework to get to: two pitches for the paper tomorrow and my last Kwantlen Chronicle story to submit.

Tweet me! And look for my byline in the 24 Hours paper.

@HayleyWoodin