By DAISY MOON / Staff Writer

In the tenth-grade, I decided I was destined to be the next Katie Couric.

Of course, at that time I was in a small high school with a graduating class of twenty. I had no idea a world of extreme competition existed.

When I got to the University of Montevallo to begin my mass communication degree, I realized that broadcasting was not the path for me. With all of the beautiful students that surrounded me, I felt there was no way I could compete.

Because I had always enjoyed writing and had an obvious interest in the news, I chose to pursue a degree in journalism instead.

For the past four years, I have written more news stories than I can count and have slowly learned the writing style of a journalist.

Last fall, when I finally reached my senior year of college, I embarked on a quest to find an internship in my field, with the hopes of someday landing my dream job.

After contacting several places, I eagerly awaited a call-back for an interview, sure that no one could possibly want me.

All my fears were alleviated when I was offered not only one, but two internships.

I remember sitting in class one day, when I received a call from Ashley Vansant. Immediately, I left the room and listened as he told me that the Shelby County Reporter had an opening for an intern.

I jumped at the opportunity.

The day after I returned from Christmas break, I began my internship.

Even though I had written numerous stories in my classes, I knew that this would be different. This was the real thing.

I was immediately given two assignments and have been busy cranking out stories ever since.

My time at the Reporter has been a great learning experience that I never could have gotten in a classroom.

Because I have always thrived off chaos, the exciting and demanding environment of a budding journalist has been the greatest job I could ask for.

As my time at the Reporter comes to a close, I am sad to leave not only this newspaper but the state of Alabama as well.

As I move on to other job opportunities, I will always remember the little town of Columbiana and will be grateful to the Reporter for getting me on the right track.

Daisy Moon is a senior at the University of Montevallo and an intern at the Shelby County Reporter