Summer 2019 Plans!

Hey hey! Long time no post! This past year and semester has been amazing but also crazy busy. I got caught up in my classes, internship and other commitments which resulted in me hitting pause on blogposts. However, I am eager to use my free time this summer to get back to posting regularly and using my blog as a creative outlet. I hope you're as excited as I am!

One thing that consumed a large portion of my year was applying for and waiting for a response from an amazing internship program. In October, my Iowa State advisor/program coordinator for my internship with BH&G passed along information regarding the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) summer 2019 Magazine Internship Program. At first, I just let the email sit in my inbox because I told myself the opportunity would maybe not even be an option or it was too good to be true. When I had a meeting with my advisor about classes for the previous semester, she impressed upon me the idea that I should truly consider this program. That following weekend I travelled home and was able to discuss the program in detail with my parents. I will never forget, my dad turned to me and said, "Madison, you would be crazy to not at least try for this." So, I did!

The application was due December 1, so I spent a majority of the fall compiling work examples and reference letters and eventually submitting it first to the Iowa State University Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. The program allows each school to select two students to formally nominate on their behalf. After a week of waiting I heard back that I had been selected and would get to include their nomination letter in my application. At the time I didn't know that waiting one week would feel like nothing in the long run. I officially submitted my application to the ASME Magazine Internship Program in the last week of November. The confirmation of submission email I received said I would hear back from the selection committee in March 2019, but the specific date was not provided. I learned a lot about patience and trusting God's plan for my life.

On March 25, 2019, I opened my email as a force-of-habit as I sat down in my first class of the day. Once it refreshed, I read the subject: "ASME Magazine Internship Program," and the first few words: "Dear Madison, I am pleased to inform you," and immediately stood up and ran out of the class to call my parents. A few weeks later I received my specific magazine placement and location for the summer.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE.....

I will be spending my summer in NEW YORK CITY living in an NYU residence hall! I am so beyond excited to return to the city (I've been there twice) but this time to work and explore on my own. I already have a long list of places I want to eat, spots I want to visit, and things I want to see. I am also excited to be interning with.....

THE KNOT! I was placed with The Knot to assist with their seasonal print publication and website digital content. I am already looking forward to living, learning, breathing, dreaming all things wedding this summer. The Knot is owned by a smaller media group, so I will get a different perspective of magazine journalism. Additionally, The Knot offers specialized and focused content for print and digital which will allow me to develop new skills that will be extremely beneficial in my future career.

The ASME Magazine Internship Program is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I feel so lucky to have been selected for. I am one of 20 rising seniors from across the country who have been chosen to participate in the program and intern with publications in NYC or DC. Each of us have completed a journalism internship and have been involved with on-campus journalism. My first two days in New York will include an orientation program with the other participants. We will get to meet each other and learn from a variety of journalism and magazine-based sessions. The next week we will start at our designated publications. Throughout the program we will also gain the advice and guidance of an ASME mentor which will be another great aspect of the program. Essentially, I can't wait to set foot in the city and begin working in a dream position!

I cannot adequately express my excitement or gratitude for this opportunity I have been given. When I entered my freshman year at Iowa State University, I had declared a journalism major, but becoming a magazine journalist was just a dream. Despite the fact that I had hesitations about how I would actually get there, I was driven by my passion for magazines and writing in general. Landing internships with Better Homes & Gardens through the Meredith Apprenticeship Program and now with The Knot through the ASME Magazine Internship Program has exceeded all of my expectations. I have no doubt that my time in New York this summer will continue to prepare me well for my future as a magazine journalist.

I hope to bring tons of New York related content to the blog this summer; I'll definitely be filling up my phone and camera with lots of photos! I would love it if you would stay tuned and stay engaged with my blog this summer and beyond. I truly appreciate you taking time to read this and support me. I would not be where I am or traveling to NYC in the summer without the encouragement and support of many individuals. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you! I hope you have an amazing rest of the week!

#LIFESTYLE