Chapter 1
JESSICA
I stare at the list in front of me.
This list will determine my next year in many ways.
This list contains the answers for me and my fellow sports journalism students, revealing to us where we will go for our final project in our studies.
If you land an internship in a sport you know well, the final assignment will be a breeze.
If you’re unlucky and get assigned to something outside your expertise and knowledge, it will be trickier. All students submitted their applications with their preferred three sports. There are no guarantees you’ll be chosen, so I can only hope.
My dream is to cover Formula 1, and I’ve worked hard on my application to hopefully secure a spot. Late nights in front of my computer, endless research, and input seminars for writing proposals to positively increase my chances.
I grew up in a family that was interested in all kinds of sports, but F1 has always been the main event.
Race Sundays were an established tradition in the Edwards family, and we try to get together as often as possible to this day.
We will gather in front of the TV, watching the excitement play out on the track. It’s easier for my older brother and parents to get together, as they all live closer to each other.
I, on the other hand, am off to college in the big city of Chicago. Luckily, Tinley Park is only a short train or car ride away, so I try to make the trip out there when I get the chance.
Therefore, if I were able to make it into F1, it would not only make my own dream a reality, but also my family’s.
As I dive into the list, my heart races at the thought of who has been assigned what. The NFL and American football take a prominent spot, and I can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief when I realize my name isn’t among them. American football has never been my passion, which has sometimes made my studies feel daunting, especially since most of my peers are deeply invested in it.
Scanning further, I see the variety of team sports unfold before me. Ifocus intently, hoping not to find my name hidden there, yet I can’t resist checking each line.
The hockey section draws me in, and I can’t help but smile when I spot a familiar name: my best friend, Sarah Parker, has landed an internship covering hockey.
I can already picture her joy; she’s been dreaming of this since her dad played in the NHL. We’ve both shared this aspiration of covering the sports we grew up loving, and I’m looking forward to calling her later to chat about where we will be going.
Moving on to the individual sports section, my pulse quickens with anticipation.
As I navigate to the motorsports category, my heart pounds louder. Please let me get my first choice. The thought of spending nearly a year working on something I’m not passionate about sends a shiver down my spine. Yet, I remind myself to stay optimistic; I’ll make the best of whatever I get.
And then I see it: “Formula 1: One spot. The student will work with Star News to report on the Formula 1 season.Student: Jessica Edwards.”
A tiny squeal escapes my lips as a wave of exhilaration washes over me. I did it! I’m covering the Formula 1 season. Even better, I’ll be the only intern from my program. Given the competitive nature of this industry, having that breathing space feels amazing. Like a dream come true.
The reality of landing this coveted position is still sinking in. I know several classmates had their sights set on this spot, which is precisely why I poured my heart into crafting a stellar proposal.
Now, as pride swells within me, I can hardly believe I’ll be working in my dream field over the next ten months.
I quickly pull up Star News on my computer, and my excitement reaches new heights. They’re a powerhouse in motorsports, renowned for their top-notch reporters and journalists.
This opportunity is nothing short of incredible.
???
I’m sitting in the library when a group of journalism students walks in. I sink into my seat, hoping they won’t notice me, but no such luck.
“Hey Jessica! Did you see thelist?” asks Seth, one of the top students in our program, or at least that’s how he presents himself whenever he speaks. He has the attitude of someone who thinks they’re better than everyone else.
“Yeah, it seems like most people got what they wished for,” I reply, sensing his irritation as he walks over to my spot.
“Everyone except me. I can’t believe you got the Formula 1 spot. But I’m not worried; my dad will help me get an internship, probably a paid one, when the season starts.” I wish what Seth says wasn’t true, but unfortunately, many career opportunities in journalism, TV, radio, and similar fields depend on what is professionally labelled as networking.
