Study: sex ed works - Teens in Print

T.i.P.TOP 5 THINGS ABOUT BEING A JOURNALIST1.You get to ask the tough questions and be nosy2. It’s a rush to get the news first3. Always writing, always learning4. Meeting and listening to people5. Going to different placesPhoto: Amy Lantinga/WriteBostonCaroline Knapp Interns at areception at the Harvard Club.PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT:Daniela CakoSharmah Saunders,Monique Kelly,Deanna Henson, andKnapp’s young niece.You’re hiredMy summer as a Globe apprenticeBy: Daniela Cako // T.i.P. WriterA week at the Boston HeraldBy: Deanna Henson // T.i.P. WriterWhen I heard about the Caroline KnappJournalism Internship, which provideshigh school students the opportunity tointern at a newspaper, I thought, “Whynot?” I have always loved writing becauseit’s a way for me to express myself. Also,I believe media is a powerful tool toinform people about the world aroundthem. Since the newspaper is only minutesfrom my house, I would look at thisglass-covered building as I passed andthink whoever works there is lucky.Now I work inside the building and Ilove every minute.There are many parts of my job. One isanswering phone calls that come into thecity desk. I also gather information fromthe public for stories to be put in thenewspaper, or I transfer people to otherlines for help. I look up information, readThe Boston Globe, and have a bizarrefeeling of happiness as I work.Sometimes something major happens,and I get first hand information on whatwill go in tomorrow’s paper, which isexciting. One thing I’ve learned thathelps reporters is getting all the informationabout everything. Asking questionsis the major quality that a reporter has tohave, and I love asking questions. My jobmakes me feel as though I am part of givingpeople the news, like I am in touchwith the world.I was excited to start my internship atthe Boston Herald. I had no idea what toexpect because it was my first time as anintern and I have never worked at anewspaper. I arrived a half hour early.Another Caroline Knapp intern and Iwere taken upstairs to meet Mike Bello.We were brought to the City Desk. Ourfirst assignment was to learn how towrite an obituary. I was nervous becauseI didn’t want to mess it up.After being taught how to write an obituary,I was asked if it creeped me out. Tobe honest, I thought of it as writing a briefbiography of someone’s life. It was interestingto learn how they lived and died.Sharmah and I were then instructedto go out to do man-on-the-street assignments.That’s where we had to ask 10people about their feelings on presidentialand vice-presidential candidates JohnKerry and John Edwards. That was funbecause we got to get people’s opinionsand reactions on the question.One day, Sharmah and I were invitedto go with Pete Gelzinis to the BasketballHall of Fame in Springfield, where BillCosby was being honored. After the ceremony,there was a press conference onthe second floor where Cosby went onto explain more of his feelings aboutAfrican-American children.Nervous, excited as an internBy: Monique Kelly // T.i.P. WriterReal world experienceBy: Sharmah Saunders // T.i.P. WriterThe first couple of weeks at the JamaicaPlain Gazette flew by. The staff waspatient and nice; even visitors greeted mewith a handshake. I was surprised at howfast I caught on. The second day I wasanswering phones and typing. I helpedcreate drawings of advertisements in thepaper. I typed police reports and articlesfrom guest writers, as well as my writing,such as one article “Funding cuts hurtschools.” I was in charge of readingbooks by local authors and interviewingthem about their careers. I was treatedlike a staff member and included in partiesand other events. I was even invitedto delegate parties during the DNC!For the past couple of weeks I haveworked as an intern at the Boston Herald.This has been an amazing experience andI’ve had the privilege of working with anumber of talented reporters and photographers.I truly appreciate this experiencebecause only so much can be learned inschool. Internships allow students to getfirsthand experience in the work field andcome in contact with real people and realsituations. What better way to help someoneprepare for their future than by givingthem real experiences.BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004 | 9