Living the Life

Boom. Just like that, week one of newsy fun-over and done with.

This week is one that I will remember forever. I had to put on my big girl pants and venture into the city on the train alone for the first time on Monday. It was the first day of my internship, and oddly I wasn’t that nervous at all (probably because I had about 900 things to remember to do correctly in order to get myself to FOX29). Instead, I was super excited to get started.

I met my supervisor and my web department supervisor, who are both so nice and easy-going. Right away, I was meeting the friendly faces that make up the FOX29 news team- and I even met an intern that goes to school in upstate like me, so that immediately made me feel at ease.

Throughout the week since the first day, I was briefed on all of the programs that I will be using all summer to upload content that I write onto the website for FOX29, and I learned how to cut video and edit pictures for that as well. As the days go by, I am getting more and more confident in my writing – whether it be choosing the right word to create an eye-pleasing headline or styling in general. In addition, I am allowed to dabble into whatever other departments I want, so I plan to get out with some reporters and photogs to see what it’s like to report in a big city like Philly.

I guess it goes without saying that I am falling more and more in love with this city and all the experiences I’m having along the way. What makes the deal even sweeter is that I am getting to meet new people- but I get to reconnect with friends too.

Alexis & I at lunch.

My good friend Alexis (haven't seen her in 4 years!) is also interning in the city, and we had a fun dinner together at the train station the first time we met up on Tuesday night after work. It was great. We also met up again on Saturday and spent the whole day exploring the shops and restaurants along Chestnut Street. We browsed in lots of great places, but we chose to splurge on a delicious pizza lunch (where we sat outside and got to people watch-perfection) and then gelato across the street. If you know me at all, you are aware that Nutella is probably the one food item (besides rack of lamb, HA) that I really can’t go without for too long. The people in Philly are clearly on the same page as me, because they had Nutella-flavored gelato. Naturally, I hyperventilated at the sight and then ordered after calming down. It was beauteous.

This is what heaven looks like.

But, the best part is getting to spend time in such a great city with a great friend. We had a blast.

After that, we boarded our respective trains and headed home. I was impressed with myself, because I finally didn’t need my GPS to get me back to woodland wonderland that is my aunt and uncle’s house. Oh, and I forgot to mention that I learned (finally) to back up my car into the spot that they need me to park in, so snaps for me on that too.

So far, this has been just amazing. I get to do what I love every day, and spend my time with people who I’m sure I’ll never forget. My aunt and uncle are the best “roomies” ever, and their dog, Juno has finally accepted that I’m staying for the long haul- and we are quickly becoming best buds. 

I guess you could say that I’m a Philly cheesesteak full of happy emotions right now, and I think I can only go up from here.

I think I'm Gonna Like it Here

So. Now I am happy to report that I am now safely blogging away from my new PA digs. The first few days here have been exciting, and now reality is beginning to set in that my life this summer is going to take a turn for the fabulous.

Friday:
My aunt and uncle (aka my summer roomies) are perfect. They gave me my own room with a comfortable bed, plenty of closet space (essential, remember my girly-girl comment in the first post?) and a television that gets all my favorite channels. They have been doing a great job of making me feel so welcome here-as they have always done in the past. Not to mention, they have been giving me advice on what to do and what not to do as I begin my summer as a city intern gal.

That advice started with how to take the train and make it to the right place- which is Market Street in Center City. My mom and I set out on Friday to do a test run of the drive to the train station, the ride into the city, and of course the walk to FOX29. Let me just say, the GPS is a godsend- especially if you are directionally challenged like me. The drive to the Malvern station turned out to be fairly simple, which eased my worries a bit. We purchased our tickets and got on the train, and in about 55 minutes we were in the city.

Luckily, I only have to get myself out the doors of Market East Station and make one left turn, and then head straight down to FOX29. This was good news for me, as you can probably imagine. Once we got there, we decided to take a stroll around the city and find a place to eat lunch- navigating a new city can really make your stomach growl with hunger! We decided on a sports bar, and I had a Philly cheesesteak (had to). After that, we headed across the street to the Reading Terminal Market. If you're reading this, you should Google this place NOW, and then put it on your list of places to go. As soon as you walk into this indoor oasis, you smell fresh produce, meats, and fish. On top of those items, are all sorts of stands that sell all kinds (from Thai to a classic turkey sandwich) of cuisine. We had our sights on the Termini Brothers Bakery- which has some of the most delectable (and dangerous) confections that I have ever seen. We decided on some cute little cakes. I had the tiramisu and my mom had the vanilla/lemon-easily one of the best desserts I've ever had. To top the day off, a sweet little old man wished us a good day (oh, I also have an obsession with old people) so we left the market with a smile. After that, we shopped around at some stores and found our way back to the train station to head for home. What a day.

Our dessert from the RTM

Saturday:
I woke up refreshed after a good night's sleep Saturday morning, and my aunt announced she was taking me to the trail so that I could run. Now, although you're probably thinking that I'm nuts for getting my fitness on that early on a weekend morning. But, I love running, and I was literally aching to work out since I hadn't in two days- that's an eternity for me. The trail ended up being beautiful and I really enjoyed taking in the sights, sounds, and greeting all the friendly faces and dogs I came across along the way.

We then headed to the train station to catch a ride into Center City again. In the Old City (lovely area right by my internship) we found Positano Coast, where we ate a yummy Italian meal for lunch. Although, I did end mine with a crêpe with nutella (my only necessity for survival) and hazelnut ice cream on the side. TO DIE FOR.

After lunch, we made our way to Citizens Bank Park to take in the Phillies game. They lost 10-0, but I didn't really care- I was having such a blast with my family. When the game ended, we headed to out to wait for a car to pick us up and get us back to the train station. Finally back on the train, we all participated in a delightful snooze for part of the ride- much needed indeed.

As I sit here in awe of all of the things I have done so far, I can't help but ponder what these next few months will bring. My first day of my internship is on Monday, so stay tuned for the antics that will most-likely ensue.

 I have a feeling that I'm REALLY gonna like it here.

Almost Go Time

Okey doke. So, this is really my first attempt at keeping a blog--and I am actually quite excited about it.

Reporting for NewsWatch16 

Ever since I was little, I wanted to be working in the news industry. Now, I get to work toward my childhood and now present-day dream every day at Ithaca College at the Roy H. Park School of Communications. Getting in was just the start- I have worked for two years now at the student-run television station for the news program- NewsWatch16. I have worked as an Assistant Producer, Reporter, and this last semester I got to produce. In addition to all that great experience, I am working to develop my broadcast voice by doing radio newscasts on our two radio stations, WICB and VIC. I was fortunate enough to work for the local ABC affiliate in Rochester (my home city) last summer as an intern, but this summer, I set my sights on FOX29 in Center City, Philadelphia. 

 Here I sit on my couch in Upstate NY- soaking in the last day or so that I have left at home until the middle of August. As one could probably imagine, I am feeling a ton of mixed emotions as I contemplate what kind of journey I am about to embark on. Most of them, though, are anticipation and elation due to the fact that I landed this opportunity. 

My aunt and uncle (and their dog) have agreed to take me in while I work- they live just a bit outside the city which makes it easily accessible by train. Oh yeah, that's the other thing- I have to be a big girl and take the train back and forth the work each day in and out of the city. Being a well-seasoned suburban girl, you can imagine how this makes a few knots in my stomach. But, I got this. 

Keep an eye on my blog as I navigate the City of Brotherly Love as a news intern and a girly 20-year-old-to-be. Here's to a news phil-led (get it) summer!