Headed out West

by Caitlin Swieca

It’s been a long, immerse and mentally enriching week, but the SJI’s Class of 2013 will come to an end tonight. In a few days, we’ll be scattered around the country, hitting the ground running at our internships.

I’ll be leaving Columbia tomorrow and starting at the Denver Post on Monday morning. The reality of moving to Denver is just sinking in, and it makes me excited and nervous at the same time.

Not only will I be in an unfamiliar newsroom, I’ll be in a city I’ve never even visited in a region of the country completely unfamiliar to my family and me. Last year, I interned at the Daily Herald in suburban Chicago. Although I wasn’t familiar with all the suburban areas they covered – my GPS was working overtime all summer – I knew all the teams and had been following the storylines for years.

But SJI has given me a greater level of confidence going into this summer. My head is in a journalistic mindset and full of ideas for how to maximize my ten weeks in Denver and my last year in college. 

We heard from several SJI alumni today, and hearing their stories and views was comforting and exciting. One speaker, Shannon Owens of the Orlando Sentinel  really stressed how important it is to go out and find your own stories.

I asked her for advice on how to do this in a town we’re completely unfamiliar with, as many of us will be this summer. She suggested getting in touch with governing bodies of local leagues, learn the history of local sports so you’re not starting from scratch, and talking to other reporters to get ideas.

Most of all, she said, it’s important to settle in and be happy in your personal life, because personal life does affect your work. I think that’s a good piece of advice for all of us going forward.

While the industry can be cutthroat and there’s an emphasis on competing with others and constantly moving up the ladder, it’s important to find a balance where you both enjoy your personal life and create a healthy environment to get the most out of your time at work.

I’m very thankful for the opportunities SJI has given me in terms of expertise and networking, both with some of my very talented peers and some experienced professionals. The first opportunity will start in a few days, and I’m ready to take full advantage of it.