First Day Fears

My summer internship at Friends Journal has begun! I will admit up front that I had quite a few fears coming into today, beginning with my commute. Although I’ve lived in the suburbs of Philadelphia my entire life I haven’t ventured into the city very often and am not completely comfortable using public transportation (something I look forward to gaining confidence in this summer). I was nervous about taking the train, especially after a startling train experience a few months ago when I went for my interview. About halfway into the trip the train car in front of mine filled with smoke due to a problem with the brakes. The passengers in that car relocated so that we could inch along to the next station and switch trains. I, embarking on my first solitary train experience, was not too traumatized but was quite late. Luckily I had written down my future supervisor's phone number so I was able to explain my tardiness (lesson one, always be prepared).

Thankfully, all went smoothly this morning and after completing my journey I faced my next fear: making my entrance. As with any new experience, a heap of unknowns weighed heavily on my mind: what would be expected of me? Who would I meet? What would they think of me? I felt, at risk of being cliché, like a fish out of water. As I opened the office door I took a deep breath and jumped into whatever metaphorical body of water awaited.

I soon discovered that I had not jumped into the large turbulent ocean I feared, but rather a very friendly…lake! I was introduced to staff members and fellow interns and set to work completing a series of orientation tasks. I studied the last twelve issues of the Journal, noting my impressions, observations, and questions regarding content and policies. I also read four feature articles, making notes both before and after reading. I then discussed my notes with my supervisor, the senior editor. I began a third exercise, selecting one issue and examining all of the paperwork associated with its production (edited drafts, emails, etc.). I will continue this and other tasks during the rest of this week as I settle in. I look forward to beginning work reading submissions, editing, and learning about all areas of periodical production and publishing. My first day was not so fearsome after all.