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The boot camp of newspapers
By adriana_acosta in To venus and back
March 16, 2011

Every week when I am working on layout, I find myself thinking how lucky I am to have this job. Well, not at first. After a long day on the job, I want nothing but to go back to my apartment, put on my favorite pajamas and watch endless hours of television while eating Chinese food. (My favorite is the chicken broccoli with brown rice.) But the second thought that crosses my mind is how lucky and blessed I am to have this job.

There is nothing better (for this journalist at least) to see the finished product at the end of the day. After endless hours of writing, layout and chasing people down for a story, holding that newspaper in your hands is the best feeling ever. I call it a journalist adrenaline rush.

I knew I always wanted to be a writer, but I never imagined I would be part of making a newspaper. The thought never ever crossed my mind really. I just pictured myself the same way I did when I first interviewed for the Victoria Advocate and was given my very first test assignment (It was about the oldest oak tree in Victoria) as the eager reporter with dreams of being a daily reporter. When I decided to change careers a few years ago, I knew that I would end up working for a newspaper, just never imagined I would end up here – managing the editorial content of the weekly newspaper, giving the OK of where photos would go and even discussing freelance pay with someone. Yes and even getting those angry calls from our readers when we print something they don’t like.

Sometimes I wish I was part of the daily world. After all I have gotten to experience some of what the daily world would be. I may be the editor/writer/photographer of the Matagorda Advocate, but I am also a reporter covering this county for the Advocate. And whenever there is a story that needs to be written, I am the go to person. With each assignment, I gain a little experience, for when the time comes for me to make that move, but not any time soon.

And although stressful and sometimes a handful, this job has provided me with a quick boot camp learning experience. I went from working as a part-time reporter, to handling a weekly newspaper.

So in conclusion, this job has been my boot camp, my learning experience and my learning curve. I look forward everyday to see what new and exciting things are coming my way. So I say, bring it on weekly!