Guest Column: Intern enjoys news experience

It is my last week here at The Western News. It has been rather short but I can say that it was sweet, too.

This was my first experience working for a real publication since receiving my journalism degree from the University of Montana in the spring of 2009. An internship was something that I had to accomplish prior to, or following (preferably immediately) my graduation.

Being the perpetual procrastinator that I am, I of course put it off for, oh only a year-and-a-half. I instead jumped straight into the exciting game of wildland firefighting for the U.S. Forest Service here in Libby.

The need to fulfill this internship has been a constant weight on my shoulders since I graduated. I did not go through four years of college and graduate just to end up without my diploma.

So, back in November – after returning from a 21-day fire/sawing assignment in the quaint town of Walden, Colo., and thus ending my fire season for the year – I sent off an e-mail to The Western News, hoping they might give me a shot at some part-time work.

I was surprised when I was called in the very next day. The editor, Brad Fuqua, looked at some of my photos and promptly told me I would be able to fit in somewhere. I was ecstatic. Finally, I was going to fulfill my much-needed and delayed internship, and with my own hometown paper, a paper in which I used to be featured in as a high school athlete, (yes, I’ve checked out the archives) and which I have been reading for the past 12 years.

So, began my long-awaited internship. I have to admit it was somewhat difficult to go from tromping around the woods every day to sitting at a desk, typing and drinking coffee – to the point of having the shakes. I have never exactly thought of writing as my forte, and when I was immediately sent to report and write a story on McGillivray Campground, I was a little apprehensive.

My work had never been published, except for perhaps in my high school newspaper. But the story was accompanied by photos, which I love, so I got to spend a lovely fall morning driving out to McGillivray, talking to the friendly construction workers, and snapping photos. I thought that I would maybe be able to get used to it. My story was a simple report but I wouldn’t say that my Associated Press style-guide skills are quite up to par. My story ran on the front page though, and I was happy enough.

Then we entered the Christmas season, which I believe to be the busiest time of year here at the paper. I became an expert at check-passing photos, according to reporter Canda Harbaugh. I also became quite familiar with the various bands, choirs and Santa Clauses in town.

I attended several performances that I would not have otherwise attended and witnessed some great displays of musical talent. I also saw some pretty good acting in the form of the middle school and Asa Wood Christmas performances. If you did not attend these programs this year, I would recommend going next year. I thought they were quite entertaining.

I learned that it is really important to stay a bit late to make sure that you get everyone’s name. It is much easier than searching around the next day, vaguely trying to match names with faces, and telling your boss, “Oh, no, I wasn’t able to get his name. Sorry.” I have been working harder on my reporting skills.

I wrote one other story, on the “Sounds of Troy,” a new up-and-coming radio program. I’ll admit, I can definitely not take notes like a seasoned reporter. I was struggling the next day to interpret everything I’d scribbled down during my brief but chatty interview with Ralph Stever. Yes, I still have some things to learn.

My latest photo assignment occurred at Turner Mountain. I was assigned to get some action shots of skiers and snowboarders on the mountain. It was the perfect assignment for me. I love to get outside, and I love snowboarding, and, obviously, taking pictures.

Capturing the much more talented skiers and boarders, getting huge air off jumps and landing them, was a blast for me. I hope that one day my degree and skills will lead to more experiences like this and perhaps a job in outdoor photography.

I knew coming into this that my time here was pretty limited. I have had plane tickets for Thailand since August and will be leaving the states on Feb. 12. I am meeting my younger sister, Anna, in Bangkok, and from there we will make our way south to explore the numerous beaches and islands.

I hear that a motorcycle taxi ride in Bangkok is the second-biggest adrenaline rush in the world. I may just have to incorporate that into my plans. We will see. Elephant rides and rock climbing are also on my list of things to do. Getting a solid tan is sixth on the list. But I think that is inevitable.

My older sister, Hosannah is also in Thailand. She lives there nine months of the year, returning only in the summer to work, to finance her time in Thailand. Currently she is out of contact in the jungle, visiting Burmese refugee villages, living a life I cannot even imagine.

Once Anna and I can pull ourselves away from the warm, beautiful beaches of the south, we will make our way north to Hosannah’s city of residence, Chiang Mai. She will depart from the jungle in early February, and meet us in Chiang Mai, where I hope to get a better grasp on what she really does over there for nine months out of the year.

I of course am bringing my cameras along with me, and plan on documenting my entire journey across the ocean. I know that Thailand is beautiful and scenic but I also want to capture the essence of the Thai people and their livelihood. I would like to keep up some sort of correspondence with the News while I am gone, if it works out. I would love to share my experiences with the people of Libby and Troy.

So, wish me luck! It has been a pleasure serving the community for this short time with my photos and stories.

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(News intern Marybeth Valentine will work her last day on Jan. 8).