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On my first day as a Nightly News intern, I was told that this would be like nothing I had ever experienced. I was already overwhelmed by the towering shape of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the glittering studios and the sight of many broadcast personalities, often viewed from my television set, and now sprung into real form. Whether it was behind the lens or in front, I learned that every role in the newsroom is an integral cog of the news mechanism that comes with responsibility, talent, and, most importantly, a drive to be at the top.
My fellow interns and I have come a long way from loading ink in the copier to a gained insight and special knowledge of almost every aspect of the newsroom.
I had the opportunity to experience different positions at Nightly, and one afternoon I got to sit next to director Brett Holey during a live broadcast. If you have never been in a live control room, let me tell you, it is a very unpredictable environment. Mr. Holey and the producers are so professional that they can make the show look simple, but from inside the darkened broadcast epicenter I saw what could only be described as controlled chaos. There were times when things didn't go as planned: Before one broadcast, we were faced with a bad satellite feed, and two packages from our Middle East correspondents were placed out of order. Mr. Holey fixed the problem expertly, and the viewing public was none the wiser. And so the show began and I, mesmerized, had much to learn.
Weekend director Patti Lang gave me another offer that I couldn't resist: Put on the mask of an anchor and attempt to do my first desk read in the Nightly studio. It was great to be the center of attention as the Nightly staff placed me in Brian Williams' chair and piled on the layers of makeup that cover any imperfections. The mortified look on my face in the television monitor said it all: I was a true novice. As the studio lights came on, I was not prepared for what I was about to do. But, off I went stumbling through the news that the prompter displayed. Still a few years until I catch up to NBC's finest.
Before I go, I have to mention Pentagon Correspondent Jim Miklaszewski. He was my role model throughout this internship, one of the few in this business who can understand the plight of a tragically long last name. I have him beat by one letter, but it gives me hope that my hefty last name won't end up on the chopping block completely. Everyone at Nightly was so helpful and always willing to offer a little bit of advice or professional expertise. I have no way to thank them all, but if you're reading this and met or helped me this summer, please know you made a tremendous impact on me and have inspired me to continue pursuing a journalism career.
Read more from Summer 2006 interns
Back in Beirut, 30 years later
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Monika,
As your brother, I am obliged to comment on your life changing experiences at NBC. As I read it with great interest, I realized that I am not a brother to a plain old sister anymore who, as a child, tormented her brother using different tactics (kicking me in the nose with your massive boots); I am a brother to a student with great ambitions to become the best of the best, learning with the best of the best. Your experiences at NBC lead me to realize that with great motivation, anything is possible. I hope that will work with my application to Cornell... Anyways, the reason why I am writing is not to remind you of our past, or ease my way into Cornell; the reason why I am writing is to properly congratulate you for your great successes. It gives me the honor to know that my sister has achieved something that I will never be able to do and that, Monika, is one of the greatest feelings you can have.
From the bottom of my heart, Congratulations
Your brother,
Michal Plocienniczak
UNIS - New York/ the Brother
(Sent Aug 9, 2006 4:13:15 AM)
Monika,
I count myself lucky that I get to be with you everyday; you are the best thing in my life. I am so absolutely proud of you and all your accomplishments this summer. I know, first-hand, how hard you worked and all the effort you put behind being an intern that Brian and everyone at Nightly can be proud of. I love your blog (and as biased as I am, this is very well written), especially that part about Jim M. I'm glad that I can properly pronounce your name now (2 years later) and I'm sure the rest of the world will be saying it shortly when you're on TV. I can't wait to see where you're heading for the future, and I'll be there with you hand-in-hand. All my heart forever.
Neil St. Clair
CBS News - New York/the Boyfriend
Neil St. Clair, CBS News, New York (Sent Aug 6, 2006 2:10:18 PM)
Monika,
We share the same name and the same passion for journalism. I am a student still, but almost finishing my degree.
Although all the ways of making serious journalism are very attractive to me, nothing fills me like the television. You wrote the expression: "controlled caos" that fits like a gluve to express the overwhelming rhythm of newsroom.
I can only hope the best to you, and for me, as well.
Good luck, and don't worry, because time rewards the talenteds.
Mónica Carvalho, Gaia, Portugal (Sent Aug 6, 2006 6:37:56 AM)
Monika!.Serdeczne gratulacje. Jesteśmy dumni z naszej wnuczki, a przede wszystkim z Twojej pasji życiowej ,młodzieńczego zapału i tak otwartego wchodzenia w życie.Trzymaj ten kurs dalej.To dobra droga życiowa.Serdecznie dziękujemy za radość którą nam sprawiasz Całujemy,pozdrawiamy izyczymy wypełnionej sukcesami i młodzięczą pasją dalszej drogi życiowej Dziadki
Dziadek Ryszard (Sent Aug 5, 2006 11:54:20 AM)
Dear Monika,
The experience that you have had at NBC Nightly News will probably affect the way that you see journalism throughout the rest of your life. I know that my small experiences in Chicago and Knoxville have; I moved from Illinois not too long ago and I had grown used to the Chicago Tribune style of writing. If only you could see the writing in the Farragut Press and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. Then you would know how important editors are (one Press article used to word, "birthed").
It will most likely be that you will not reply or pay mind to this comment, but I would just like to know how to apply for a summer internship at Nightly, or any news agency for that matter. I being an aspiring journalist as well would like to get more experience than I have right now editing my high school newspaper and running my own blog. It would be an honor for me to at least give my resume, and though I have already seen professional journalists at work in Washington, any chance to learn more would be great.
Of course, right now you should be concerned with your own ambitions and career goals. You have had a wonderful time working at the peak of broadcast journalism I am sure, and I wish you only the best with your future work. You may be on site for some of the future conflicts, events, elections, and big stories in the future. Remember to stay professional and to keep your head, even after the long hours that reporters face (and little pay. I emphasize the litte). Good luck.
David Wells, Knoxville, TN (Sent Aug 4, 2006 10:35:25 PM)
Monika! You're right, what a moniker you could have. Hang in there with the name. I recall back in the early 90's the computer apparently did not like a fella's name because it was too short. He was ordered by the courts to change it. The name? None other than O. He legally changed it to Oh. I can tell you are going to do just fine with your future! Enjoy every moment of it and very best wishes for you and your career. Great writing!
Gwendol Bowling, Newnan, GA (Sent Aug 4, 2006 7:41:30 PM)
Monika,
Well written piece.....
And never underestimate the value of knowing how to load the copier with toner or fix a paper jam. I have witnessed many a senior executive reduced to near tears by trying to operate the "darn" copy machine/fax/printer.
You have had a peek into a world that many of us would probably pay a big ticket price to see. It sounds like many people there have proved to be wonderful role models & mentors. Know that if you carry forward in your professional (and personal) life the professionalism and respect that you have witnessed that it will carry you far. Someday you will find yourself on the other side, extending the same type of courtesies to others and ultimately mentoring the next wave. Good luck with your studies.
Amanda, Ridgewood, NJ (Sent Aug 4, 2006 11:44:47 AM)
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