I have been overwhelmed with the generosity and thoughtfulness of my co-workers. I know in the fast paced world of news, it would be easy to overlook a college intern. Sometimes, there are too many things to be done and not enough time. To my pleasant surprise, however, many people have reached out and offered me advice and guidance.

I've had the privelage of having a desk in the newsroom next to Mark Hebert. He, for example, went out of his way to teach me how to operate our heavy-duty news cameras. He routinely operates his own equipment when he goes out on stories, and understands how important being able to be a "one man band" is. He's not only a humble, accomplished journalist, but a well-rounded one at that.

Other WHAS journalists, including Andy Treinen, Chuck Olmstead, Adam Walser, Gary Roedemeier, Joe Arnold, Rebecca Rector and Kelsey Starks have been particularly helpful in answering my questions and giving me great advice about the business.

My news director, Genie Garner, our producers, and assignment editors have also helped make my internship productive for me and for the company. They have allowed me to write, interview, observe, ask them questions, and create pieces that go on air.

I've had a slew of videographers give me their honest-unedited-opinions of the news business. I am someone who appreciates the honesty, no matter how critical. I've learned that this is a hard industry to come into. As with most of the economy, there are job cuts and pay cuts to be found. Stories are not always 'fun' to cover.

For example, last week I went out with GMK reporter Gene Kang. We spent all morning at the falls of the Ohio, while search efforts were underway to recover the body of a 19-year old man who was thought to have drowned there. It was emotional to see his family there waiting on the scene for answers. I asked the conservation officer in charge of the recovery efforts if it was possible, that maybe, the young man could have pulled himself out of the water and was only laying somewhere injured. He told me that is exactly what the guy's sister had asked him and was hoping for. Unfortunately, the result was not a happy ending. His funeral is taking place, as I write this, in New Albany.

I'm sure for some, tv news looks glamorous. The job of those in the news industry is to go to the most compelling stories of the day, and inform the public about them. When it comes down to it though, this is real life. This is what goes on everyday. Sometimes it's shocking, sometimes it's bizarre. It may be funny or tragic, other times it's heartwarming.

Riding the wave of emotions involved when covering local news can seem like a rollercoaster. In my six weeks as an intern, I have witnessed the joy and sorrow of many here in Kentuckiana. If I've learned just one thing to advise people on, it would be to live your life to the fullest extent. Do what makes you happy. If you have wanted to travel, apply for a job that seems exciting, or call someone you've been meaning to talk to...what are you waiting for? Life is full of surprises...I've seen lives change dramatically each and every day I've been on the job. People simply go about their day, not thinking their world could be turned upside down. That is why, I've learned, that it's important that while you're going about your day, at least be doing what makes you happy.

The gift of that lesson is invaluable to me. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity of this internship, all who have taught me over the past few weeks, and all I have learned.

I want to extend a special thank you to MaryPat Chiavaroli and Maureen Hagrman for all their help during my stay in Louisville, as well as a "shout out" to the city of Louisville for being a wonderful place to spend this part of my summer.