The new girl

I’d like to think my first day at my new job was a success, considering I came into work today and discovered a story I’d written on the front page of the paper.

There’s a different feeling being the new reporter, as opposed to being the intern. I don’t know if it feels this way for everyone, but I feel far more at home. Maybe it’s because I have my very own desk, computer, and log in account, or maybe it’s just because the people I work with are patient, helpful, and absolutely lovely, but I think what it probably comes down to is my frame of mind.

I finally feel as though I deserve to be here. I got the job because I impressed them and worked hard throughout the year to get good experience and grades. It wasn’t a case of me walking up and asking to do experience, and them putting up with me while I pottered away on some story. I was actually wanted. That’s a really great feeling, and I’d say it’s a good part of the reason I feel so comfortable.

I’ve observed that notes seem to pop up magically in my workspace without me noticing. I was working away at my computer when I glanced to my left and noticed a note with a name, phone number, and instructions not to name the person in the story I was working on. I never saw anybody put the note there, so I can only assume it is witchcraft. Later in the day, I noticed a sticky note on the bottom of my monitor telling me a patient I’d been calling the hospital about had been discharged. Where did this information come from? One can only wonder.

If the random notes aren’t confusing enough, I somehow ended up with four phonebooks on my desk.

Today I found myself wondering if journalists develop a special ability to stop elderly people rambling during interviews. The woman I was speaking to was lovely, but boy, could she talk. When the photographer and I were finally ready to go, she would not let us leave before taking a fun-sized chocolate bar each. She then grabbed my arm, pulled me in closer, and said “You have a very pale face”.

It’s an interesting job, there’s no denying that.