I've always known I wanted to write. I've known since the third grade, when I would beg for new journals and write stories about my Webkinz and Littlest Pet Shops.
When it was time to apply for college, there was no question my major would be journalism. I only looked at schools with good communications schools, and, somehow, I ended up at a top 10 journalism school.
Upon entering college, I felt confident. Most of my friends didn't know what major they really wanted to be while I was dead set on my path to becoming a writer.
I took all the reporting classes one is required to take as a University of Florida journalism student. I began to question if this was right. Do I want to be a journalist? Do I want to report hard news? If so, what would my beat be?
Then, without ever really realizing it, I discovered my beat – health. I found myself only picking up health-related stories, and I loved them. I loved learning about the science I was too right-brained to study in school. I loved talking to doctors and making sense of their jargon for readers to understand. I loved the thought of my words informing people of life-altering medicine, research and health discoveries. This is what I was meant to do.
Since having that ah-ha moment, I've interned at UF Health Cancer Center and UF Health News and Publications and the Cancer Center again. I have only been reassured that this is my passion. How lucky am I to have found something that makes a job worth working at such a young age?
Now, here's the big announcement I've been holding near to my heart for the past few months, basking in my joy of life falling into place – I have accepted a communications internship for this summer at Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston, South Carolina.
I AM SO EXCITED.
It's been my dream to escape Florida and take off to the Carolinas for years, and it's finally happening for a glorious two months.
Hollings Cancer Center is one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers in the nation. This designation allows cancer centers like Hollings to conduct hundreds of research studies on the path toward ultimately finding a cure.
My family has been deeply affected by this nasty disease, and I feel so honored that I get to make some groundbreaking cancer research and medicine known to the public. As a journalist, I serve the people. What better way to do so than to report on some of the most important news some people may ever receive?
This takes me one step closer toward my dream of being a health communicator. At this time next year, I'll be a college graduate and, hopefully, announcing a full-time job acceptance (fingers crossed) (please hire me!!!).
If anyone has any recommendations on things I need to do in Charleston this summer, please leave a comment below!
See you this summer, Charleston!!!
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