I was thrown to the wolves

Hello Internet!

Wow, I sound like Dan Howell... if you don't know him, click here and be happy that you did.

So yesterday was my first day as a reporting intern for an online, non-profit news organization covering health news and policy at the state legislature. And let me tell you, it was crazy!

Crazy in a good way - I think.

Of course, my boss had me do little things, like entering business cards into the online database and finding the main recorder. But soon, she had me running. Like literally.

Now imagine a baby elephant learning to take its first steps and failing miserably. That was me.

This is my life right now.

Now, running around a square building seems simple, right? Wrong. Oh so wrong. The building is divided into "courtyards" from 1000 - 1400. It might sound easy, but it's a maze. A maze that includes cool features, like an indoor pond and fancy seating areas, all accompanied by "gold" fixtures. It's like the state hired King Midas to decorate.

This is basically what I'm working with. A golden maze.

Being that it was my first day, I didn't think I would have a story to write. Wrong! My boss thought of an idea and basically went: "Hey! See that person? Go talk to them! And then go find the legislators working on the bill. Okay bye!" She proceeded to push me into one of the courtyards and then ran off. 

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I quickly (or so I hoped) gathered myself and got the first interview done. But now it was time to find the legislators. As we waited for session to end, we strategized. We found the seating chart and figured that the people I needed would leave through the doors closest to them. 

We positioned ourselves but as I was waiting, I found one representative on the phone. My boss told me to hover, but not too close, and to make eye contact, but not in a creepy way. Right. I smiled and stood near her, but she quickly ran away. Darn it.

There is honestly no way to stare without making it awkward.

Eventually, the doors opened and my boss yelled "RUN!" Now being new, I didn't actually think we had to run, but two seconds later by boss was running into the chamber finding the politicians I needed. I ran in after her - it was like watching Black Friday shoppers all over again.

All the reporters when session ends: RUN!

Sadly, the people I was looking for were gone. I decided to wait in their offices. They couldn't avoid me if I was there right?

Fortunately, I got the story done. I'll post a link when it is published. Yesterday was Day 1 of the rest of my summer. And if yesterday is representative of a typical day here, I think I'm going to have a lot of fun!

Now, I need to go make some phone calls and not freeze to death in the newsroom. Until next time!

~Jasmin

I'm new to this... don't judge!

Hello Internet! My name is Jasmin. Jasmin with no "e."

My first blog post - this is scary. Now, I've tried writing a blog before, but I always forgot about it. But this time, I hope to make it last!

So why a blog? Well, I like writing and I love telling stories, so why not combine the two? And what better way to record my experiences (good and bad) in a blog? Well, there are probably more private ways, like a diary, but where is the fun in that?

I like making people smile and laugh, and with all of the random things that happen to me, I have a lot of things to share. And as a rising senior in college, I hope to help new students transition into the college atmosphere and let them know that they can do it! I also like food, so maybe a food post now and again? Whatever my readers want, I'll do it! :)

Here are some quick facts about me:
1. I'm a senior in college, studying journalism, but with a passion for science and medicine.

2. I'm Indian - this detail will be important for future stories!

And no, despite what the media has told you, not all of our parents are like this:

But we do like to break out and dance whenever we can:

3. I'm not that social - I tend to stick around a few close friends, which I think is totally fine. I express myself better through writing (hence the blog).

4. I'm a Starbucks addict. Like it has seriously become a problem for me.

Here is a photo of my coffee when they actually spelt my name right:

5. I like to dance and also dabble in some photography. Below is a photo I took last fall on my college campus:

6. Though I'm not that social, once you get me talking, I don't shut up. My mom sees this as a problem, but you know, I could be doing worse things!

So I guess that's it. Pretty simple stuff. Let me know what you all would like to see! And with that, I bid you good night! :)

~Jasmin

PS: Feel free to follow me on Instagram and Twitter because who knows what crazy things I'll say on there!
Twitter & Instagram: @jasmin__singh