I won my first award!
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One afternoon while sitting at my desk, my co-worker leaned over to me and told me he had a secret to share. Once I made my commitment to keep my lips zipped he told me to look at his computer screen. It was an e-mail listing me as a winner of one of the esteemed Eric Sevareid Awards by the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association. While it didn’t specify where I placed, it was more than good enough to learn that my work was finally recognized by my colleagues and peers.
Yes, I’ve gotten a number of compliments on my news stories through the years. But It wasn’t until year five of my reporting career that I had a piece of hardware to show for it. I certainly don’t work in this field for the sake of accolades and acceptance of others outside of our viewers. However, when you once worked in a newsroom with no regard at all for your talent or worth it feels good to know that you are seen.
Earning this award also taught me not to be too hard on myself. My co-worker who told me the exciting secret was also one who helps to choose which stories make it from the newsroom to the judges table. They saw my work fit enough to be shared. The stories I submitted, I wasn’t so sure about. After I chose them I certainly felt I could have picked better. Something more exciting, riveting and punchy. But I was wrong. It was stories from the heart that were more than enough to earn me an Award of Merit. No, it wasn’t first place and that’s okay. That time will come. Even when I get it (the EMMY I aspire for), it’ll never supersede my first award. The one that came from the heart and soul of a young journalist like myself with the mission above all to tie my community together by the telling of our stories.
In the video below you’ll find my story submissions:
