At the end of my freshman year at Ithaca College, I knew I needed a summer job or internship. My grandma’s friend recommended I send a letter and application to the Cazenovia Republican in hopes of a summer position. I didn’t think the editor, Jason Emerson, would be interested. I was just ending my freshman year, just starting out as a journalist, but he asked me to come into the office. So I did. We chatted and he offered me the job. The next week, I eagerly walked into the office above Dave’s Diner for my first day, prepared to fetch coffee and answer phones. I had the single dream of being published at least once during the summer — well, was I in for a surprise.
The first day, I was given a few story topics to write. The second day, I went to Cazenovia High School to cover an event by myself. I was amazed and honestly, extremely intimidated. People were counting on me, but I wasn’t sure if I could even count on myself. I was terrified that I would let people down and not cover the event correctly or write the story adequately. I never showed my fear though, I conducted myself like a confident journalist and more than 30 articles later, here I sit, the confident journalist that I only pretended to be 11 weeks ago.
This summer, I have learned more than I could have ever imagined. I learned how to write stronger leads and articles; I am more outgoing in interviews, asking better questions; and I am better at copy editing my work and others’ work, something that I did not know how to do prior to this internship. However, there are also skills I need to work on, such as writing in the Associated Press style — the writing style used by newspapers and the news industry in the United States. I also need to work on taking journalistic photos that will capture the readers and help them to better understand the story.
The Cazenovia Republican is a fantastic news outlet for the 13035 area. Jason Emerson and Lori Lewis work hard every day to make the paper as best as it can be and make it intriguing to readers. They are hard workers, talented and funny people. I am thrilled that they decided to take a chance on the 19-year-old Pompey resident because without them and without this paper, I would not be the journalist that I have shaped into this summer.
I also owe the people of Cazenovia my sincerest gratitude. Cazenovia is a beautiful town. I love the way that the residences are so neighborly to one another. Going to the farmer’s market is one of my favorite things to do; the town is packed every Saturday and everyone seems to know one another and enjoy seeing one another. That positive atmosphere is incredible and the warmth of Cazenovians has made my experience at the Cazenovia Republican one that I will remember fondly.
Ashley Wolf recently finished her summer internship with the Cazenovia Republican and has returned to Ithaca to begin her sophomore year at Ithaca College. She can be reached at [email protected].
