I’m a Grade 11 learner from Marist Brothers Linmeyer and I decided to job-shadow with the Alberton RECORD.
The editor, Carina van der Walt, was kind enough to let me shadow one of their reporters, Roedolf Walker.
I would not have considered being a reporter until after this experience.
The day I arrived I was by far the most intense. I arrived early and was kind of looming around outside having no idea what to do with myself. That soon changed. I was immediately introduced to Roedolf and went with him to a court case.
He gave me a brief summary of the case, but aside from that I was completely in the deep end.
I learnt so much on that day, probably more than I learn in school in a month.
I got to talk to Roedolf about some of his personal experiences and gained insight into the reporter life, which is amazing, by the way.
It’s not what you see in the movies. You would expect to see really intense cases, with lots of dangerous gunfights, interviewing the biggest celebrities and nagging local authorities.
It’s not. It feels more human. There are actually good stories out there, and made me realise how important the media actually is.
Reporters are just regular people trying to help their community.
If I wasn’t going to court, or having deep realisations, I was interviewing people on the street or from the municipality.
Both of these times my hands were shaking from adrenaline.
I felt the pressure to get things right because I knew how important it was. You know, with the entire reporter team putting their faith in me and all.
I soon grew more comfortable and found speaking to random people a lot easier.
It’s amazing how the opinions of the individuals shape the community itself.
Whereas this country has some major problems, and I saw people struggling in their lives, I also saw hope. People smiling and trying to do the best they can for each other. That gives me courage.
I loved the thrill of it all. The office, the travelling, the uncertainty, listening to people, asking questions but most importantly, the free coffee in the morning.
I really appreciate Roedolf taking me under his wing like he did.
I managed to learn so much, and when we weren’t busy interviewing or gathering stories, we were sitting around waiting for our next appointment, and talking about all of the regional issues.
We couldn’t do anything either. Sometimes we had to drive around and find stories ourselves.
So yes, this has been one of the best experiences of my life, and although it is not my first job choice, I can certainly see myself holding a pen and notepad.
Steven Henry
