Wednesdays are usually reserved for setting up the workstation for the upcoming race weekend and for some sightseeing in the area.
On Thursdays, we have the driver and team conferences, where all the media teams gather in the media room to ask questions ahead of the weekend.
Fridays typically consist of two practice sessions, providing initial insights into which teams and drivers look the strongest for the upcoming race. During this time, I’ll work on stats and results to prepare the team for interviews and write our own predictions for the weekend.
Saturdays include another practice session followed by the qualifying round, which sets the scene for the main eventon Sunday: the race. We will conduct our primary interviews throughout the sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
“The whole team is excited to meet you, Jessica, and we can’t wait to have you here with us in a few weeks,” Anne says as she sends me an email with my contract to review before signing and returning.
“I can’t wait to join this team and look forward to meeting everyone in person soon,” I reply before we say our goodbyes.
I sigh into my hands, feeling thankful for this incredible opportunity.
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I’ve just finished packing my two big suitcases when Mom knocks on the door frame.
“All set?” she asks, and I motion for her to come into my childhood bedroom. My parents always insisted that Jake, my brother, and I keep our rooms, even after we moved out of the house.
Now that I’ve packed up my dorm in Chicago, I’m especially grateful to have a place to call home and my own room to return to.
“Yeah, who thought it could be so hard to pack up your life in two suitcases?” I’ve packed and repacked so many times I’ve lost count.
In the end, I decided that I need clothes for all weather and seasons, and anything I couldn’t fit in my suitcases, I’ll have to buy when I getthere.
“We’re going to miss you so much, but seeing you live out your dreams will all be worth it,” Mom tells me, before giving me a long hug.
I’ve always been a homebody, and I know I’ll feel homesick at times, but I’m also excited about this opportunity. I’m trying to enjoy the accomplishment of landing my dream internship without letting it affect me.
Growing up, I was afraid to take up too much space or be too loud, but I’m working on overcoming my insecurities and taking pride in my hard work.
This internship will be my ticket into the world of sports journalism.
I’ll make sure of it.
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I meet up with Sarah for one last coffee run before I head to the airport.
“It feels so surreal, you are jetting off to Azerbaijan, and I’m going to work in Chicago. Look at us, taking over the journalism world.” She tells me over the edge of her mug.
Sarah will start her internship in a few weeks, so she has a little more time to prepare. Having grown up in a hockey family, I’m sure she’s going to do exceptionally.
“Yeah, it all feels like it’s falling into place. Imagine all the doors this could potentially open for us,” I say, and she sighs back at me.
“And imagine all the hot guys we get to surround ourselves with.” She says as she fans herself, making both of us laugh.
It’s a bonus to have some eye candy while doing the work you love.
“You think you’re going to be able to resist all the hockey players?” I ask her.
We’ve always been a little weak with the athletes, even though many of them are players.
“Well, duh. I’m strictly there for work, so any action will be found outside of the stadium or on a dating app if I feel desperate.” I couldn’t agree more with her.
We spend some more time talking before it’s time for me to head to the airport.
Saying goodbye to my family leads to a few tears, especially from my dad, who’s always been a softie.
