The summer of your junior year is a critical time. It is a time to reflect on what you've done and what you want to do. It is a time to decide how your summer will set you up for success during the semester. Will you work and build up money for school? Will you get an internship and gain experience in your field? Or will you take an unpaid internship and work on the side? Decisions become the first thing on your mind in the morning and the last thing at night. The question "am I doing enough?" is tattooed in your brain. You hear that from this point on the grind must be intentional and nonstop in the same breath as make sure to take breaks and practice self-care.
Fall to spring before the school semester ends is application time. My story starts over winter break. An impulsive wave of submitting applications possesses me. I wasn't anxious about my summer, but I knew my window to apply was diminishing. Opportunities were at my fingertips thanks to the plethora of emails from Claflin University's mass communication department. Out of the list, only three aligned with my interests. Out of the three only one reached out to me, the International Radio & Television Society Foundation.
Before applying, I never knew the foundation existed. As I did my research, I was sold instantly. The IRTS Foundation is dedicated to building future leaders and increasing diversity in the media industry. Through the IRTS Foundation, I would gain education through access to a series of academic programs, industry events and mentorship pipelines. I had to be a part of this network.
Many prayers later, I made it through three rounds of written interview questions and two rounds of interviews. As of April 15, 2022, I was officially a 2022 IRTS Summer Fellow!
In the weeks that followed I was flown to New York, became acquainted with my cohort, met media executives, was introduced to my internship company -- MediaVillage -- and enjoyed the city nightlife. The week was filled with information, networking opportunities and early mornings. Every corner held a media executive or former IRTS fellows. Each person genuinely wanted to see us succeed. They offered candid advice and encouraged us to reach out to them. By the end of each day, I became so full of wisdom that I had itis. All I wanted to do was get in bed but of course; I instead went exploring New York City with my newfound friends.
The streets of New York were interesting. Music, aromas and chatter all mingled in the air. Smiles and frowns took turns on the faces of the people we passed. Each block held a different perspective. Buildings were canvases, sidewalks were stages, and the food stole the show. Entertainment was everywhere and it never disappointed.
At the end of the week, as I hugged goodbye to my friends, I knew this was only the beginning. Exhaustion wrapped in excitement settled in for the seven weeks that I would spend being a sponge, learning all I could at MediaVillage.
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