My Journey with Varsity Sports
As I, Sabir Umar Abdusshaheed (yes my full name), wrap up my last fall semester as an undergraduate, it’s hard to believe how much I’ve learned and experienced with people at my internship at Varsity Sports. This opportunity has not only shaped my understanding of what it takes to be a reporter, but has also brought me closer to achieving my lifelong dream. A fellow co-worker who was from Arizona gave me some wisdom on what it’s like to work for certain people, and the thing to do is just communicate and ask as many questions as you can. One especially relevant assignment was the time when I had to go live for a news channel and I had no prior work experience with this; I asked so many questions and my fellow co-worker walked me through this as well. Props to her; I really couldn’t have done my first show without that advice. Moving forward for my next job, I now have prior knowledge and experience on this skill.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for television. Growing up, I was drawn to the world of broadcast media if it was watching talk shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! or The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. I loved how those hosts connected with audiences, brought important stories to the forefront, and kept viewers entertained all at once. I said to my self at the age of 10 that “this is my passion” and this is what I want to do. Becoming a reporter and, eventually, having my own TV show seemed like a distant dream. However, this internship has been the bridge between that dream and reality. It was definitely a new experience that has helped me clarify my goals and develop the necessary skills to achieve them.
Another important part of this internship has been the hands-on experience in scriptwriting. I had the opportunity to write scripts for reports, which taught me how to convey information clearly and during a deadline. I never realized how much thought goes into crafting a script that’s both informative and engaging for an audience. It’s one thing to write in a classroom, but putting those skills to use in the real world has been incredibly rewarding.
This internship has truly been a turning point in my journey as a future reporter. It has given me the tools and experiences I need to move forward with clarity and the confidence in this day and age of “new TV”. From the world of podcasting and now the new era of streaming and social media, this process of learning and committing to the overall presence of what it’s like to be on TV shows. It’s not just about writing scripts or appearing on camera; this experience has helped me understand the essence of what it means to be a reporter telling stories, engaging with viewers, and striving to make an impact on the world.
As I look ahead to my career, I feel more prepared and motivated than ever to pursue my dream of being on TV. The lessons I’ve learned – the good, the bad and the ugly – will continue to shape my path forward, and I’m eager to see where this journey takes me next. If this internship has taught me anything, it’s that every step counts and every moment should not be wasted. I can’t wait for the next chapter!
