Lessons on a Deadline

Courtney Chandler recently started a new reporting position in Shreveport, LA. He previously worked as a reporter in Dothan, AL. He talks about finding your footing in the business and realizing the power that comes with this platform.

Even when you're walking in your purpose - your feet get tired.

Then what?

Morgan Young is an anchor/reporter in Montgomery. She talks GRIT in a tough business, having GRACE for yourself and others, and GLITTER - leading with the magic you already have.

You could say my introduction to reporting in Dothan was one of those 0 - 100 moments. With any job - think back to your first day - fairly light work. Tasks to kind of get your feet wet. No, my first day was like somebody cut the brakes off a steam engine. It was a reminder that once you get to a goal...that's really when the hard work begins.

When I moved to south Alabama for work, people said not too much happens here. Then Oprah came to town....and I had to track her down for an interview.

My friends joke that my job is always taking me on some kind of adventure. For me, these adventures are often unexpected and sometimes take me outside my comfort zone....but those uncomfortable moments have made for the best memories and best lessons.

My journey to reporting wasn't a straight path - by any means. Sometimes the hustle to where you want to go and what you want to do includes unexpected and necessary detours.

When we think of job perks - it's typically a bonus check...maybe extra vacation days. (Or if you're a budding journalist on a tight salary getting sent to a story where you can get a free meal.) But what about the job perks your boss can't write into your contract? Like the person you interviewed whose story made you pause and reflect. Or that one time you had 6 live shots in 2 hours and learned what you were really made of. During the fast-paced news day of interviews, shooting b-roll, and turning packages the biggest job perks are the life lessons you get while on a deadline.