A Potpourri of Stories for the Long Island Press
Internship Reflection
Spring 2024
By: Toni Elena Gallo
My internship experience at the Long Island Press / Dan’s Papers was a phenomenal one.
The real-world, hands-on skills I learned from the new journalism class Working Newsroom prepared me for this internship's workload, in a way that I did not anticipate.
Through it, I not only got to put the foundational lessons I've learned through my entire journalism education to the test, but I was able to adapt to the environment of a functioning publication. And, most importantly, this class led me to an invaluable instructional experience: my internship.
Since beginning the internship, I believe I’ve had around 12 articles published, both in print, and digitally.
Every Monday, I would be sent an assignment. In the following days, I’d work on only that assignment. I’d interview who I needed to interview, research what I needed to research, and then start writing. If the assignment was able to be completed quickly, I’d receive a new assignment later on in the week.
I have also proofread a few pieces which allowed me to practice some rudimentary editing skills.
Editor-in-chief Tim Bolger has been a pleasure to work with. I've brought pitches to him, from Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame public relations manager, Chris Collora. He has been extremely receptive to my input, which has allowed me to think in new and innovative ways.
Writing as much as I have can be daunting at times, but it has made my writing so much stronger. Starting an article comes so much easier to me now, than it did to the green kid four years ago. It really does become muscle memory. Through my work, my confidence as an interviewer, researcher, and writer has grown exponentially.
The assignments I've been given have covered a wide range of topics, spanning everything from parades to new restaurants, small businesses, charities, profiles, and music/entertainment.
This working experience has solidified my writing, allowed me to become very comfortable with AP style news-formatting, and has taught me how to get across my points, effectively, through clear, concise word choice.
This internship has cemented my love of people and their stories, by fostering my creativity.
I cannot wait to see where journalism guides me, as I exit Stony Brook. I thank it for its tireless care, compassion, and patience, as I uncovered my true calling. I am looking forward to the journalistic opportunities of my future, and the adventures that await me!