- Reno officials christen fire truck
- Big Carson freeway bridge on schedule
- New citizens vote with help from state group
- Therapy program pairs horses, children
- Magazine puts local girl in spotlight
- Hot cars share stage with hot dogs
- Stars and stripes adorns shining 1957 Chevrolet
- Washoe primary turnout could be lowest in decades
If I include today, 10 days left. Time just seems to have flown on by this summer.
Last week, I had to turn in a paper to the j-school on "what I learned during my summer internship." I took it in a very literal sense. And here it is for your reading enjoyment.
It’s been a busy summer. Ever since I walked through the doors at the Reno Gazette-Journal in May and had my press pass created by human resources, I’ve learned a lot about this field.
I learned how students built an eco-friendly house from scratch in the course of one year. I learned how people will drive from Verdi or stop in the middle of their vacation to listen to John McCain speak at the Boys and Girls Club. I learned how the Native Americans care about what’s going to happen with this election. I learned how one doctor uses his Harvard medical degree to prescribe alternative medicines to people who dislike the pharmaceutical companies.
I learned how one man made the decision to quit the Marines and become a teacher at Sage Ridge School – and was happy with that decision. I learned how one nondenominational church wanted to affect the community around them for the better by starting a kindergarten program. I learned parents are willing to pay a lot of money so their kids can attend a science summer camp instead of sitting around the house watch TV all day.
I learned that even schools that only have a few students still need renovations. I learned that once you’ve written enough education articles, you start getting solicitations from people about writing stories. I learned how Abraham Lincoln and Florence Nightingale influenced others during the Civil War era – through a children’s play. I learned how the University of Nevada, Reno engineering students made their concrete canoe float when their only goal was to beat the University of California, Berkley.
I learned another university student decided there wasn’t enough positive reinforcement for young girls out there, so she started a princess story time program to show girls that it’s not all about Disney. I learned that cicadas come out in Nevada every four to seven years, unlike the ones in the Midwest that appear every 17 years. I learned that a lot of people play volleyball in Reno each year. I learned that the green trend is going, and people out there want to bank on it.
I learned regular people really appreciate the arts, especially when it’s free. I learned that there are 20 places outside of Reno that I can drive to for a day on one tank of gas. I learned that some people are willing to run from Alaska to Peru in order to show and create unity among Native America tribes. I learned there was a Nixon, Nev. (though I didn’t learn why it was named Nixon). I learned that you can create your own paradise in your backyard if you have enough money. I learned that 100 degrees in Reno is rare, so it needs a story to be written about it.
I learned that when you have an assignment at 5:30 a.m., you better set more than one alarm clock. I learned that someone else out there besides Alex Newman received an A in Jake Highton’s advanced reporting class. I learned that cowboys are media-weary because of the portrayals they’re given. I learned offroading in suburban vehicles isn’t recommended. I learned wild horses only travel in small harems of four or five. I learned why cowboys need their hats out in the Nevada sun.
I learned that wildfires in California can cause air warnings in Reno. I learned that a lot of people may go to the river during the summer, but just as many worry about their safety while they are there. I learned that teen driving programs are more useful when you actually have the teen behind the wheel, not behind the desk. I learned the interview part during the Miss Nevada contest is a joke (at least onstage).
I learned some protestors will do anything to mask their identity, from dressing up like V from “V for Vendetta” to dressing up like Uncle Same (even if they’re running for office). I learned a lot of people want Mitt Romney to get the vice-presidential nod from McCain. I learned that arsons are an unusual crime, especially when there are 18 of them in two weeks. I learned that wild horses are kept in a 5-acre ranch after they’ve been captured. I’ve learned some art, even pieces entitled “Meat for Wild Men,” will fetch $9 million dollars.
I learned a mother will always love her son and can be very appreciative of what you do for her son, even if it’s just a simple story. I’ve learned tornados can happen in Nevada. I’ve learned there’s a guarded door on the third floor of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center so people won’t steal babies. I learned that you can be very talented at something, even at the age of 10. I learned that more people care about wild horses than you would ever guess. I learned that even some of our city councilmen are trying to be eco-friendly by arriving at events on their bicycles.
Like I said, it’s been a productive summer – and it’s not over yet. I have until Aug. 22 before my internship with the RGJ is over. I will learn at least another paragraph of things by then. But what matters is that each of these things I learned have taught me the most important thing.
I learned that, come what may in the journalism business, this is what I want to do with my life. I learned that everyone has a story tell – you’ve just got to ask them.
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