Compiled by Kate Scriven, ThurstonTalk Associate Editor
The ThurstonTalk high school intern program is finishing our fourth year. In that time, we have mentored more than 17 area youth through an internship opportunity designed to give them insight into the world of freelance writing and journalism. ThurstonTalk’s philosophy of sharing positive stories about where we live, work and play is demonstrated through the interns’ work as they share stories important to them, as local teens, with the community that supports them.
This year, our interns came from across the county from both public and private high schools. They stretched their skills, and their comfort zones, to seek out and interview community members, source their own photos, craft stories within a set word count and adhere to publishing deadlines. In short, they worked as freelance writers.
And their stories have impacted the community. For example, one community member, after a ThurstonTalk intern profiled her organization shared, “Kathalina, your student intern, did such a nice job. I love the program you have going with students and you do such a nice job of mentoring them.”
Below, our 2015-2016 interns share their reflections on the year they spent with ThurstonTalk. To learn more about applying for the 2016-2017 internship, click here.
Nate Wertjes – Tumwater High School Intern
I became a better writer in my internship with ThurstonTalk, but I learned a lot more than that. I learned how to craft my ideas into coherent phrases. I learned how to analyze what people said, and how to weave them into my story. I learned that deadlines are deadlines for a reason. I learned that sometimes people will disappoint you when they don’t have a particularly quotable line and I learned that some pieces are harder to write than others.
Although it was difficult for me to write, my favorite piece was my farewell article to my longtime cross country coach Rich Brown. He has been such an important part of my life and being able to write a tribute to him meant a lot to both of us. It was, at times, a little emotional but I hoped to convey to readers how much of an impact he has had in my life.
ThurstonTalk is a fantastic organization and I truly appreciated the opportunity to write for it this past year. It is heartening to imagine how many more student writers will be able to gain confidence and skill through the internship program. Thank you, ThurstonTalk.
Kathalina Hoffman – Northwest Christian High School Intern
This internship has been one step out of my comfort zone after another. Prior to this year, I never considered myself a writer. Sure I wrote – I had to pass high school after all. But never did I find a desire to write anything beyond what was necessary. That was, until I started working with ThurstonTalk.
Writing used to be a chore. However, the initial acceptance into the ThurstonTalk high school internship, for lack of a better word, got me pumped. I couldn’t believe I would be writing stories that would be published in the local media!
Throughout the year I accomplished two things. The first was simple I learned how to write. Of course, I knew how to write before I landed this awesome internship but my writing voice was really shaped over these past few months. I learned how to write with a whole spectrum of emotions which, by the end, became natural to me. Second, I became in tune with my community. Writing stories based on local businesses, people, and places was an added benefit. The privilege of recording the back stories of these amazing local men and women and then being able to retell their tale has given me a sense of the diverse culture we live in and those who make it up.
Something that honestly surprised me was that by the end of my internship it was so easy to write an article. Writing is something I do not dread anymore. I even enjoy free writing now.
My favorite article was the personal profile I did on my track Northwest Christian High School track coach, Mike Michael. He has been a character building mentor to me during my high school career so it was my honor to write about him. I would highly recommend this internship to any young, aspiring writers. Even if you’re not a writer or looking to become one, ThurstonTalk is a great place to go to read all about your community.
Jordyn Aden – Olympia High School Intern
Out of my four years in high school I think this year has proven itself to be the most meaningful. This year has been filled with writing, rewriting and hefty, satisfied signs. Through this internship with ThurstonTalk and my high school classes I’ve accumulated 25 pieces of writing that I can say I’m proud of.
For a long time after I had submitted my application for this internship, I was very concerned about coming up with topics for the articles I was going to have to write. I wish I could go back and tell myself to relax a little bit because there was really nothing to worry about. Topics relating to Thurston County seemed to present themselves quite often and Kate Scriven, the editor, was very willing to help out.
I really enjoyed writing the article about the New Orleans trip that a group of Olympia High School students took during spring break. The growing number of volunteers really shows how committed high school students can be to making change in the world and that is really inspiring. I definitely learned a lot about what I am capable of as a writer this year and about the responsibilities of a more professional world. I’m very excited to apply the skills that I have learned to the many things that I will do in the future.
Hali Ehresmann – Capital High School Intern
As an intern for ThurstonTalk, I learned a lot about the community I have lived in for most of my life. This internship brought me closer to community members and has really helped me find my voice when it comes to writing.
I am a very outgoing and talkative person, but it was hard for me to organize my thoughts onto paper. I learned what my tendencies are as a writer and what my strengths and weakness are as well. What surprised me, however, was how much of a choice I had in what my articles were about and how I shared the stories. I learned that, while I didn’t originally think hearing about others people’s lives would be enjoyable, I really did enjoyed crafting an article about them to share their passions.
My favorite article I wrote this year was about the college-committed athletes from Capital High School. It helped me to gain perspective into each sport and the recruiting process involved in each and also to make new friends.
