This week marks one year since I started working at the Daily Journal. Fortunately, it feels like time has been moving fast. Maybe it’s because I measure my days and weeks by the number of bylines, but it’s been an adventure I’ve enjoyed.
I remember when I first applied, I didn’t think I stood much of a chance. Weeks later, I received an offer. When I applied for this job, I was emotionally going through it — I had just lost my childhood friend. It was sudden and unexpected. In a way, that loss made me question where I was headed and what I wanted out of life. Looking back, I think this job came at the right time, when I needed something to pour my heart into.
It’s hard to explain, but I went to the Hussman School of Media and Journalism, where I concentrated on Public Relations (PR) and advertising. Since I attended the J-school, some journalism classes were required as prerequisites. I remember taking Writing and Reporting and not enjoying it as much as I hoped. What is the fork method? And why do we have to use AP style for everything? Well, now it all makes sense. In the back of my mind, I told myself the class wasn’t “as important” because I was going into PR and advertising. Wrong.
Typically, the career switch goes the other way — journalists merge into PR, not the other way around. At my old job, I was a PR specialist, and I often acted as the reporter because, when it comes to pitching, you have to think like one. I like to think I was unconsciously training for this job all along.
What used to scare me about this job is that every day brings something new, but that fear has fizzled away. I’ve enjoyed getting to know my community, hearing people’s stories and having the privilege of bringing them to press. What can I say? I love a good profile piece. I’ve gotten to know so many of you, and you’ve made my life technicolor. Thank you.
This job has healed me and made me a better person in every sense. I’ll admit, I used to be the queen of saying nothing ever happens in Richmond County, but after seeing everything that goes on around here, I was loud and wrong. There’s always something for everybody to do, no matter the age.
It’s frightening to start a job where you’re once again the student trying to find your way, but it’s been rewarding to grow as both a writer and an individual. There are times when I bump into my early work and absolutely cringe, but we all have to start somewhere.
When I was younger, I had the most painful social anxiety. I’m sure younger Ana wouldn’t believe that the current Ana interviews people for a living now. To some this may seem silly or not a significant milestone, but I view it as one.
This job has also made me value and recognize how much history our county holds. I remember being in college and dreading icebreakers because over half my class was from Charlotte, while I had to do mental gymnastics to explain where I was from. My go-to line was, “An hour away from north Charlotte.” It eventually became, “When you’re going to Myrtle Beach and see a giant strawberry, that’s Ellerbe.” In reality, I could have mentioned the Rockingham Speedway or Andre the Giant’s ranch in my hometown. There are so many things I wish I could tell my younger self now, but what I can do is continue to believe in and vouch for my county.
A year ago, I wasn’t sure I belonged in a newsroom. Today, I can’t imagine being anywhere else. It’s been a year of growth, gratitude and discovery — and I can’t wait to see what stories come next.