Getting out of my comfort zone and never going back

By Chandler Gould

I do not get outside of my comfort zone. I have always tried to push myself, and I have, but all inside of my bubble. When I first heard about the Washington Media Institute, I knew I had to apply. It had the perfect mix of politics and journalism, and it wasn’t in another country like other programs.

When I first moved out here, all I could ask my family was, “What if this is a mistake?” I was worried about being too homesick. I was worried that I wouldn’t get along with anyone in my program. I was worried that I would do terrible at my internship. That feeling lasted for maybe the first three weeks, slowly fading all of the way.

Quickly, I realized how wonderful my roommates were. We all have the same sense of humor, and we became friends easily. Nothing beats all of us coming home from our various jobs and laying around sharing the craziest things that had happened that day. The best part is, when this is all over, we will all go back to the same school together.

My internship with WJLA ABC7’s Good Morning Washington has started me on the career path I have been striving for in college. I have been able to write copy, create graphics, assist in producing, edit video, write blogs for the website, and I have even produced my own segment. Every single day is something different, and each show is filled with amazing people that teach me more about life.

I have learned that I can succeed outside of my comfort zone, and that I can handle a little pressure. I get to learn applicable skills from my courses, develop in my career, all while seeing national monuments and museums. This experience has been amazing for me in regards to my education and my career. Even more, it has been amazing for me in regards to myself.

Originally posted November 15, 2016