The ABC's of Interning

Embarking on my journey as a summer intern at the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in New York was just about as big to me as the sky scrapers that surrounded me; it was bigger than life.

I worked hard for this opportunity and I've hungered for a chance, so God blessed me with the chance. I should have known however, that the task in front of me would not be easy.

On my very first day as an ABC intern and an intern ever, with 20/20 and Primetime, I felt confident, anxious and knew I could tackle anything they asked, blindfolded and above par.

Within the first hour of being assigned a cubicle, being given a tour of ABC that takes up at least a block and being told what I would have to do on a daily basis, my spirit was broken. I've always agreed with Jackson 5's idea of ABC being as easy as 123, but I'd have to disagree with any task at ABC being as simple as do, re, mi.

I realized that I was in a case of "any port in a storm," but I knew I must learn fast because God didn't put me there to fail.

For years I've studied, lost sleep and have taken hundreds of tests. Now it was time for some hands on experience. I was thrown in hot water, but it was up to me not to air my grievances but to learn as much as possible in two months.

Though I was not always certain of how to handle tasks I offered my services; this was how I learned. I learned by humbling myself, and although in a vulnerable situation, it made me more knowledgeable and invulnerable to future tasks. Soon I was as busy as popcorn in a skillet. I went on shoots and screenings where I helped producers make the best decisions for 20/20 and Primetime segments. I also got involved with doing a lot of research and offering my ideas for upcoming shows. It was a prized moment for me on June 20th to watch a 20/20 segment on divorce wars that I played a vital part in.

In the midst of intimidation and not knowing how to find my niche within my internship, in the midst of learning all that didn't know, God gave me strength and ability. I brought along lessons from school such as the importance of deadlines, being presentable, and book smarts. Nonetheless, I learned so much that hours of class and text books could never teach me. I learned how to interact with people in the broadcast profession, and I learned how to use the machinery that once looked as if it would take years to comprehend. I left with some relationships and a better sense of what I want to do in life.

I had done and learned many things that meant a lot to me, so I thought it only right to give back by doing something that meant a lot to someone else. Because ABC is affiliated with Disney, they were seeking what they call "voluntEARS" to make arts and crafts with seniors at Kateri nursing home. I volunteered and spent priceless time sharing in laughter and fun with people who appreciated the entertainment even more than I could imagine. We cut out shapes of sea animals and decorated them while engaging in conversation. I knew that the time I shared with them was in some divine way my higher calling to New York.

My internship was my gift from God and a priceless memory that I will always hold close to my heart. This experience was not as easy as 123, but now things are as simple as do, re, mi, ABC 123! I know God did it, not me!