As I walked through the doors of Detroit’s Cobo Center, the bright lights of the signs reminded me of shining stars on a clear night. There was music, mumbles, the clicks of cameras snapping everywhere. I stood for a second, taking everything in. I was back at the North American International Auto Show, reporting for my school's newspaper. I smiled; it felt like home.
Since my last visit to the Auto Show in January 2016, I've developed not only as a student but as a journalist. I interned at the Detroit Free Press over the summer, which allowed me to experience what a being a real journalist might be like. I also participated in the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association for the first time and absolutely loved it. That truly helped me developed into the better journalist I am today.
With all this new material and techniques under my belt, I couldn't wait to get back to the school paper. I couldn't wait to use all the skills I picked up and use them as my own. I couldn't wait to walk through the doors of Cobo Center as a more experienced student journalist.
To my right, I saw Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Nissan all craving the attention of spectators. However, before me, there were tons of people, like me, doing what they loved the most--reporting.
More than 5,000 journalists from 60 different countries attend the auto show every year, according to the show’s website. Reporters walked the floor with cameras, notepads, and handheld microphones.I felt like I was in a dream. If there's anything I could've ever wanted, it is to be in a room filled with journalists doing their thing. It was so inspiring seeing everyone getting a quote or picture. It makes me realize that the area of study I've chosen for my career is definitely the right one for me.
As I walked through the set ups and stands, I took in every detail of every car. The auto show never disappoints and I'm glad I was able to witness it in its glory as a practicing journalist.
