Chapter 1 #2
It’s strange to think that my time at the dorm is about to come to an end, but it feels good to embrace this new adventure. The dorm has been my home away from home for the last 2.5 years in Chicago.
Some students have decided to keep their dorms, despite the internships requiring extensive travel. Those covering American sports will remain on campus, while I will travel around the world.
It was a gamble to terminate my apartment lease, but thankfully, my parents don’t live too far from the University of Chicago, where I’m studying.
We figured it was worth the risk, and now everything is falling into place perfectly.
Next, I call Sarah on FaceTime, and she picks up immediately.
“Hey girl! Can you believe it? Well, I can, we’re the two brightest stars in sports journalism right now. The world just needs to catch up, and this is our first step.” I can’t help but chuckle at my best friend.
She beams with her biggest, brightest smile, illuminating her entire face with warmth.
My hair, a deep, luscious dark brown, is intricately woven with glimmers of golden highlights, perfectly contrasting Sarah’s striking, sun-kissed blonde locks that cascade effortlessly around her shoulders.
From our childhood days to the present, Sarah has been my steadfast ally and a constant presence of support.
“I mean, yeah, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, but I’m also sad we’ll see less of each other,” I say. Sarah rolls her eyes.
“Come on, that’s why we have FaceTime! Plus, don’t worry; I’ll visit you somewhere tropical, like Brazil, where the toy cars drive around.” Sarah often jokes that Formula 1 cars resemble toy cars.
She isn’t completely wrong, but I think toy cars take inspiration from Formula 1, not the other way around.
“You bet! I have a meeting scheduled with Star News this Thursday to go over the finer details of my role. If I’m lucky, I’ll get to work with the team all season long, from February to December, with a break during the summer.
Once we sync up our schedules, we can start planning trips to cover various games and races. ” I explain with excitement.
“How are you feeling about the NHL?” I ask, watching her face light up with uncontainable enthusiasm.
“It honestly feels like a dream come true. My dad couldn’t be happier; he’s so proud of me for making it on my own, especially considering the nature of this industry.”
Her expression loses some of its gleam as I tell her about the comments from Seth.
“He made it sound like me landing the F1 spot was undeserving, before he casually threw in that he’d run into me in the paddock since his dad has all the connections to make things happen for him,” I say, and Sarah huffs on the other end.
“I can’t believe he would say that. Honestly, I hope someone more influential puts him in his place if he makes it into the paddock.” Sarah replies, rolling her eyes.
We shift to lighter topics, excited about our plans for our next coffee date, and discuss the logistics of when we’ll be heading out for our internships.
Sarah will be working directly with the Chicago Coyotes, which means she’ll stay here in the city but will travel with the team for all their away games.
When we finish our call, we’re all up to date on our plans and have planned some much-needed shopping sprees before the internships start.
We plan to take over the world of sports journalism with stylish outfits and killer heels.
◆◆◆
I lie back in bed and search for the latest news in F1. I’ve been following the pre-season’ silly season’, reading about all the rumoured transfers and driver line-up changes.
Cutting into those twenty spots is close to impossible, even for drivers who have impressive resumes from other carting and racing events.
If you do manage to secure a place, you must ensure that you perform strongly; if not, someone else will be ready to take your spot.
We have the rookies, who are the new drivers entering their first season. They usually spend the first few years adjusting to their team, teammates, and circumstances. If they underperform, they will likely be reassigned to a different racing category.
It can be brutal considering how young some of the drivers are, but they also understand that this sport can be harsh.
At the opposite end of that scale are the veterans, the drivers who have been in the sport for many years. They’re typically popular among fans and the media, providing great entertainment even if they don’t perform as strongly on track as they did in their prime.
Then there are the favourites who compete for the world championship title.
Usually, these drivers have several years of experience and are signed to the strongest teams. Most media outlets focus primarily on them, hoping to uncover big stories and secure exclusive scoops.
However, getting an interview with them is can be challenging.
Everyone wants their attention, and as stars, they typically don’t have much time to spare. They fulfil the interviews and press duties required by their contracts, but rarely anything extra.
As a reporter, I’d like them to spend more time with the media, but I understand how exhausting it can be.
Additionally, the media is known to twist words to create more engaging stories that drive more clicks. I’ve promised myself to never be the type of reporter who exploits people to sell a story.
I prefer fewer hits if the stories attached to my name are genuine. I want to focus on on-point, sharp analyses based on performance, not social drama and scandals.
An article featuring Luke Hastings catches my eye, as he is the so-called golden boy of Formula 1 this year.
According to the article, Luke has been dominating pre-season testing for BMW. Although his results soared at the end of last season, it was too late for the championship.
This year, BMW seems determined to win, going all out for victory.
I pause at a photo of him; he truly embodies the golden boy image with his striking hazel eyes and mischievous smile.
Luke comments in the piece about being ready to fight for the championship from the season’s first race in Baku, which is about three weeks away.
I’ve researched and followed F1 over the past few years, and while there are plenty of attractive drivers, there’s something special about Luke.
Beyond his looks and physique, he consistently comes across as humble and driven in interviews, or perhaps it’s just his natural charm in front of the camera.
As his performance has improved, he always makes a point of thanking his team for making it possible. Most drivers highlight their team’s efforts during interviews, but some drivers with big egos focus mainly on their own skills rather than showing gratitude to the teams working for them.
Luke seems like a man who appreciates the people around him, making him all the more intriguing.
◆◆◆
On Thursday, I’m prepared for my digital meeting with Anne. When her video connects, I’m greeted by a kind smile. She appears to be in her mid-fifties and serves as the executive producer in the F1 department at Star News.
“Hello Jessica, nice to finally meet you,” Anne says, and I feel my nerves start to ease. From our first email exchange, I’ve formed an impression of Anne as a gentle woman, so I’m relieved that this seems to be right.
“Hello Anne, it’s nice to finally meet you too. I’m so excited about the opportunity to do my internship with your team at Star News,” I tell her before Anne starts going over some general information regarding the internship.
I will be traveling with the Star News team for the duration of the F1 season, with all my travel expenses covered by the scholarship program I have received through my studies.
I will start by conducting research and preparing notes for the reporters who will be conducting interviews. With time and experience, I hope to move into more hands-on production work and eventually work in front of the camera.
I’m happy to start in a background role, eager to learn from an experienced team like Star News.
Anne explains that the typical week begins with travel days on Monday and Tuesday, with varying lengths depending on the distance.
When we arrive at the paddock, we’ll stay in something resembling a tour bus that artists use on tour, where I’ll have my own little room.
The team consists of about ten people traveling during the season; some come and go depending on other responsibilities, but the permanent staff includes Anne, the head reporter; Andrew, the cameraman; Steve, the editor; and now me.
These are the key people I will be working with, according to Anne.
Wednesdays are usually reserved for setting up the workstation for the upcoming race weekend and for some sightseeing in the area.
On Thursdays, we have the driver and team conferences, where all the media teams gather in the media room to ask questions ahead of the weekend.
Fridays typically consist of two practice sessions, providing initial insights into which teams and drivers look the strongest for the upcoming race. During this time, I’ll work on stats and results to prepare the team for interviews and write our own predictions for the weekend.
Saturdays include another practice session followed by the qualifying round, which sets the scene for the main event on Sunday: the race. We will conduct our primary interviews throughout the sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
“The whole team is excited to meet you, Jessica, and we can’t wait to have you here with us in a few weeks,” Anne says as she sends me an email with my contract to review before signing and returning.
“I can’t wait to join this team and look forward to meeting everyone in person soon,” I reply before we say our goodbyes.
I sigh into my hands, feeling thankful for this incredible opportunity.
◆◆◆
I’ve just finished packing my two big suitcases when Mom knocks on the door frame.
“All set?” she asks, and I motion for her to come into my childhood bedroom. My parents always insisted that Jake, my brother, and I keep our rooms, even after we moved out of the house.
Now that I’ve packed up my dorm in Chicago, I’m especially grateful to have a place to call home and my own room to return to.
“Yeah, who thought it could be so hard to pack up your life in two suitcases?” I’ve packed and repacked so many times I’ve lost count.
In the end, I decided that I need clothes for all weather and seasons, and anything I couldn’t fit in my suitcases, I’ll have to buy when I get there.
“We’re going to miss you so much, but seeing you live out your dreams will all be worth it,” Mom tells me, before giving me a long hug.
I’ve always been a homebody, and I know I’ll feel homesick at times, but I’m also excited about this opportunity. I’m trying to enjoy the accomplishment of landing my dream internship without letting it affect me.
Growing up, I was afraid to take up too much space or be too loud, but I’m working on overcoming my insecurities and taking pride in my hard work.
This internship will be my ticket into the world of sports journalism.
I’ll make sure of it.
◆◆◆
I meet up with Sarah for one last coffee run before I head to the airport.
“It feels so surreal, you are jetting off to Azerbaijan, and I’m going to work in Chicago. Look at us, taking over the journalism world.” She tells me over the edge of her mug.
Sarah will start her internship in a few weeks, so she has a little more time to prepare. Having grown up in a hockey family, I’m sure she’s going to do exceptionally.
“Yeah, it all feels like it’s falling into place. Imagine all the doors this could potentially open for us,” I say, and she sighs back at me.
“And imagine all the hot guys we get to surround ourselves with.” She says as she fans herself, making both of us laugh.
It’s a bonus to have some eye candy while doing the work you love.
“You think you’re going to be able to resist all the hockey players?” I ask her.
We’ve always been a little weak with the athletes, even though many of them are players.
“Well, duh. I’m strictly there for work, so any action will be found outside of the stadium or on a dating app if I feel desperate.” I couldn’t agree more with her.
We spend some more time talking before it’s time for me to head to the airport.
Saying goodbye to my family leads to a few tears, especially from my dad, who’s always been a softie.
I buy some snacks and a sports magazine for my flight, before I find my gate.
Soon enough, we are taking off. I look out over the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
Goodbye, Chicago, hello world.