Wednesday, December 5, 2012

What I've Learned...

The dreaded time has come. At 5 PM today, I am officially done with classes at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. This is so sad. I have met such incredible people here at UF and I am so sad to be leaving Gainesville and begin to become a real adult with a real job. FREAKY.
I have much to be thankful for...especially the education I have received from this wonderful school. My dream has always been to be a storyteller. One that my audience will trust and respect. If it wasn't for all the hands on experience WUFT-TV has offered me, I wouldn't be on the right track to reaching my goal. I had the opportunity to be a multimedia reporter once a week, and anchor WUFT-TV's First At Five once a week.  One of the stories I did for my TV shift is this one...You can also check out some of my other stories on my website: Lysette Portales
Over the past year, I have been lucky enough to be a part of the integration of the radio and TV newsrooms. Along with that, I have been able to be a part CMIR, or the Center for Media Innovation and Research. This lab is a great resource for students to learn how to excel in online journalism.  Since social media is a huge part in today's society, this is absolutely necessary. You can even listen to some of the CMIR Podcasts!
Aside from what I've learned at the University of Florida, I have been honored to have such wonderful internships that the school has helped me set up. My first internship was with 93.3 FLZ where I learned how to interact with the audience over radio...and talk about some celebrity gossip! My second internship was with FOX 13 where I got to work alongside some of the best in the business. My most recent internship was with ATL & CO in Atlanta, where I got to help produce and put together a morning show everyday. I even got to do a little on-air stuff myself!



 Overall, my experience at UF and the Journalism College has been exceptional.  I wouldn't trade it for anything.