A Summer Internship at WDBJ7

“Congratulations Mia Williams, you have been accepted into WDBJ7’s Internship Summer Program.” Overjoyed and excited, the start to my career was soon to happen on June 8, 2015.

Distinctively remembering my first day, entering in the station I was greeted with a warm “Hello, welcome to WDBJ7.” Realizing this would be my home for the next two months, I was ecstatic.

Accepted as a sports reporting intern, I had the privilege of working daily with Travis Wells, Karen Loftus and Zac Glover. My first news story covered was on The Greenbrier Classic – PGA tournament where I not only was able to watch amazing pro golfers compete, but also capture a selfie with Tiger Woods and Shaquille O’Neal.

This internship allowed me to have first hand experience in the news industry. After a few days of learning the ins and outs of reporting, filming and editing, I was then sent out on my own, for my very first story on retired pro NBA player, Luke Hancock. Shortly after editing the film and writing the script my news story was successfully aired because of the amazing guidance that was provided.

Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to shadow a reporter in the news and production department once a week. My first news story was featured on the ‘car of the future’, where I was able to ride in an automated car that drove itself. Along with the amazing news stories, I was also able to watch multiple live shows while standing behind the cameramen as well as sitting in the production room. The amazing opportunity that was provided throughout this internship is something that I believe will help carry me far towards my future career.

It was during these shadow days where I had the pleasure of meeting Alison Parker (reporter) and Adam Ward (cameraman). On August 26, 2015 their souls were called after a disgruntled worker killed them during a live report. At such young ages–Alison was 24 and Adam was 27–both were such genuine and authentic people who had bright futures ahead of them.

Waking up the morning of the incident, I remember my mother calling me downstairs to discuss what had just happened. After watching FOX5 news and gathering more information, my first instinct was to watch WDBJ7’s live stream. Seeing the anchors painfully explain what had just happened to their co-workers brought tears to my eyes and caused me to just instantly reminisce on all the memories that I had shared with these two.

The friendship I had with Adam is something I will never forget. After being called into the station one morning and being informed to cover a story on my own, Adam was more than willing to be my cameraman. As we drove to our designated area, the conversation we had opened my eyes to a lot of things in life. Adam was such a positive person that kept a smile on his face regardless of how he was feeling. That positive energy made working with him extremely fun. He discussed how happy he was to be engaged as well as how much he was looking forward to getting out of this industry to follow his fiancé to Charlotte, North Carolina.

The welcoming “Hello’s” with a cheerful smile every time I saw him are moments that will stay in my heart forever. One memory I will forever hold with Alison is the day I was struggling with an assignment and after she noticed, she came over asking if I needed help. Her willingness to help out was something she often did around the office. Her generosity, morning smile, and amazing style are some things I will always remember about her.

If I could describe WDBJ7 in three words it would be, “a family community.” The entire staff genuinely cares so much about one another that makes the job feel like a second home. Although this was such a tragic situation, I will rest assured knowing that the staff will be there for one another.

Looking back on my entire summer, I would not have changed my experience for anything in the world. Along with my internship, I met a lot of amazing people throughout the process. I am truly thankful that I was able to meet Alison Parker and Adam Ward because they made a positive difference in my life and will be remembered forever.

Even though a negative outcome was the result for these two, it doesn’t take away all of the wonderful and amazing memories they shared with their loved ones.

They are gone but they will never be forgotten.

RIP Alison Parker and Adam Ward