FLEMING ISLAND – I didn’t spend much time at the beach or playing video games during the summer break. I worked.

I decided to work as an intern before my senior year at Oakleaf High. I know I want to be a nurse after I graduate, but I signed up at CareerSource because I wanted to learn new things so they placed me at Clay Today.

They put me to work the minute I walked in the door.

I didn’t just sit around and watch. I helped proofread stories that went into the newspaper during my six weeks. The managing editor, Don, asked me to read his columns because he wanted “a second set of eyes on it.” Yes, I found a few mistakes!

When they found out I liked to take pictures, I was sent out to four assignments. Clay Today did two full-page photo essays on two of my assignments – the Clay Bridal Show at the Thrasher-Horne Center and the American Pride Fourth of July show at Moosehaven.

I never realized what goes into putting on story into the newspaper. It was a lot more detailed than I thought.

The hardest part is coming up with new ideas. After that, they dug for information, got quotes from everyone and wrote the story. Then it’s read by the editor – and me and it’s put on the page, sent back to the editor to be read a final time then sent to be printed.

Once it’s gone, the whole thing starts over again for the next issue.

I learned some things I’ll never forget. I never realized you rarely need the word “that.” “I know it’s hot” is easier and shorter than saying “I know that it’s hot.” And I will never say somebody was “named” to a job. I will always hear Don yell: “He’s had a name since he was born! He was appointed or selected, not named!”

I had fun during my six weeks as an intern at Clay Today. I learned a lot and appreciated how everyone was so eager to work with me. And I learned things I will use during my senior year at Oakleaf, in college and once I get a job.

For a list of other Clay County non-profits, visit https://www.claytodayonline.com/stories/contact-information-for-clay-county-non-profit-organizations.