New York vs. College Teachings

For three years I have been told on repeat in every single journalism course that Wikipedia is NOT a valid source...yet in only one week at HollywoodLife.com, I've used the site as a more than valid starting point more times than I can say.

On the other hand, I've also learned how happy I am that I chose to pursue a journalism degree at Mizzou. Apparently it's a godsend to be able to edit video! Two of the staff at HollywoodLife.com went to a salon Wednesday evening to get a summer makeover. Thus, I edited the video footage for them!

In the weeks leading up to coming to New York City I was scared that I wouldn't know what to do and that this internship would put me in over my head. What I have quickly learned, however, is that everything I've learned has prepared me for exactly what I have to do. I'm happy to say that my summer is off to any amazing start and that, to date, I have four bylines on the HollywoodLife.com website!!

Writing a story, reporting and publishing the finished product is something I’ve done before, many times, in fact. However, when your editor asks you to cover a movie (say Sex and the City 2) and write a review for it – it’s NOT the same! When you’re writing and covering things that you love, the interest and ideas come naturally. This first week has given me the opportunity to take everything I’ve learned and apply it to a subject I find fun and exciting. 

The next major stop: Jersey Couture Premiere with Chloe on TUESDAY!

Love at First Taxi Ride

On my first EVER visit to New York City, it was February and freezing - but it was still New York City and I still fell in love. While visiting Budget Travel magazine, the woman we met with our group told us this bit of information: "When you move to New York City, the first three weeks you will feel as though you are on vacation, the second three weeks you will hate it, and after that you will feel as though you've lived here your whole life."

After just five days in the city, I knew all my dreams about moving to city would soon come true. It was during those five days that I interviewed with HollywoodLife.com and was offered a summer internship.

Just three short days ago I moved to the big city for the summer, and the massive rush of emotions were nothing like Miss Budget Travel had explained. Instead, it was: first day panic, second day amazing, third day alright...I can do this!

My first day at HollywoodLife.com I learned how to add links to stories, edit pages, and create the Hollyscopes for the website - a job I can call my very own for the summer; something my new co-worker (and assistant to Bonnie Fuller, editor of HollywoodLife.com), Jen, was happy to pass on to me!

So, here's to the summer - to everything I will learn and to all the dreams I will see come true.