Jackson Free Press

The other day, I was sitting down with my Macbook, writing my final reflection to turn in for my intern class at the University of Southern Mississippi. My topic: what have you learned from your internship and would you recommend your internship to future students?

But I didn't do it without help.

When I first walked into the Jackson Free Press offices in early May, my first inclination was that the office would be contemporarily decorated with lots of free thinking, free wheeling people. Well, for the most part I was right. The place was cute (as an interior designer's daughter, this is important) and the people were nice.

The first day, Sage, assistant-to-the-editor, Vince, events editor, and I walked next door to Cups and I felt as if I were truly a part of a family. While waiting for our coffee, Vince told me everything he had wished people had told him when he had started working here. There was a definite sense that I was being taken care of.

That same week, I learned, like every other JFP intern, how to parallel park in downtown Jackson. After almost taking out a whole block of cars, a sweet man coached me from the sidewalk how to park. I am very grateful to him, even if he was only looking out for his car behind me.

I have become acclimated with various parts of downtown, including the circuit clerk's office and the Department of Archives and History. Funny thing is, I am taking "Journalism Investigative Strategies" next semester at USM and because of this internship, I probably could teach the class. Though intimidating at first, I have become "a pro," as one of the librarians at the Archives said.

The first time I went to the Archives, I was clueless. Getting into the Archives can seem like a FBI mission with swiping of cards, secure locker areas, checking of documents- it has been an interesting experience. Being from "the new generation," I had heard of microfilm, but I had never used it. With guidance from a reading room helper, I was able to find newspaper articles from years ago about some of the most fascinating topics.

In the office, everyone was (and still is) friendly and upbeat. Within the first week or two, I even could tell you names, place them with faces and things about their lives. Without the help of Sage, Maggie, assistant editor, Donna, and others I don't think I could have made it.

So, thanks JFP for making my summer better than I ever could have imagined. It's been fast-paced, juicy, encouraging and fun and I wouldn't have done it any other way.