What’s Next?

In May, I began my post-graduate internship with The Monticello News. This internship was a 12 week internship that allowed me to gain experience in a real world setting. Ultimately, it’s my last step in getting my degree.

Well, in what seems like a flash, the 12 weeks are up. This is my last week as an intern.

Going into this internship, I really didn’t know what to expect. My concentration was in Digital Media Production, which deals with the film and radio sides of media. I always knew, however, that I wanted to at least give journalism a try. Admittedly, I never did the proper steps in college to try this. But everything happens for a reason and this opportunity came up.

It started in March when my Dad and I were brainstorming potential internship ideas at my house. I had a few ideas, but none I was completely sold on. My dad and I got to talking about the paper, with the two of us discussing the website. Being as candid as possible, we both thought the website left a lot to be desired. So my Dad said “I know you could probably go in there and do something about it.”

Now mind you, my major was Mass Communication, not computer science or anything related to that. I do happen to have some technical prowess and a little bit of knowledge about websites and computers, so I said “sure, why not.” The next day, my Dad called Mrs. Kathy and within a week I had an interview. Fortunately, my Dad had that connection already with Mrs. Kathy as well as Mr. Jimmy, who was our pool service man for years. Mrs. Kathy also remembered me from my days at Monticello Drugs as a cashier, which played in my favor.

So after the interview and internship approval, I walked in the door on May 8 for the first time, not knowing what to expect. And now as I’m writing this on July 24, I can say that this internship exceeded every expectation I had.

I was indeed able to do something about the website. I think the website looks the best it’s ever looked. We’ve added photos with every digital story as well as the ability to place digital advertisements rolling out really soon. We also now have the ability to use our site for urgent breaking news, an alternative in addition to our weekly paper. I’m very pleased with how that has gone and I can only hope you all are as well.

I also knew I’d have the ability to write occasionally. I figured I’d have the chance to do a story here… or a story there… but in 12 weeks I went from writing just a column and a cutline, to having multiple reporting jobs a week. I specifically take pride in the June 22 paper where I had three front page stories. Not too shabby.

I also got to cover many things that are a bit sentimental to me. Covering the board meetings were always special due to my connection of my Dad being a former Superintendent. Many of those same faces that I collaborate with now in those meetings, knew me as a child. Coming off that is being able to cover a childhood classmate In Tyrin Lawrence, who’s going to go on and do amazing things with his basketball career and life. And finally, the marching band story in this week’s paper, which may top the list. Being able to cover something that was such a big part of my life for five years, and give it a proper story as opposed to a cutline and a picture is something that is very special to me.

All of this and much more, made this experience an amazing one.

I’m very thankful to learn under the guidance of Mrs. Kathy. Even in what is probably the late stages of her career, she took the time to mentor another young journalist. I’d be remised if I didn’t shout out my co-workers, Jenny and Susan. They’re definitely the life of the party and have been amazing to work with and learn from. I’ll even miss the office cat Typo, who went from barely interacting with me, to laying on my desk all day every day. I think she’ll miss me too.

So what now? What’s next?

Well after this week, I officially become a freelancer. In sports terms, I’m a free agent. I have the ability to write and work wherever I desire.

I’ll spend my first week of free agency in a familiar place… right here at The News working on the upcoming back to school section as well as continuing website work. From there, we’ll see what happens. I’ve been in discussions with a couple of places over in Macon, but I’ll leave it at that. If anyone has any potential opportunities, my email is evannewtonofficial@gmail.com.

I also have a plan to continue this column. Where the platform will be, I don’t know, but I can assure you that Everything with Evan will continue.

The last thing I’d like to say is thank you for the readers who have supported me and this column with your kind words. They have meant a lot.

Now it’s time to dive into the unknown. Cheers to what’s next!