Note to all first-time job seekers, internship candidates, or to anyone who doesnt know good manners, this is how you write a thank you note. Daily News friends, I hope you are all doing well as the summer finally comes to an end and the humidity finally gives way to the breeze. Even though my commute to work now is considerably shorter than it was this summer, I miss coming down to 8th and Market every morning. I am writing to say thanks to everyone who made my Daily News experience so special. [Please forward this email to those mentioned, I only have a few of the email addresses on my gmail account.] Laurie T. Conrad, thank you for trusting me. Aside from hiring me in the spring, you gave me the freedom to pitch my own stories and made me feel comfortable with the ones I was assigned. I witnessed some incredible events this summer and met even cooler people. Although I didnt realize it at the time, you were also teaching me how to edit, which I am now doing for the first time at The Daily Collegian (features, of course). Howard Gensler, when I first expressed interest in Wizard World, I thought it was a convention of people in wizard costumes. It turned out to be much more than that, and Im thankful it was. Talking to The Smoke at his house was a pretty eye-opening experience, and ultimately taught me (as I said before I left in August) that I dont think anyone is that weird anymore. I didnt report directly to you too often, but when I did, the story was always interesting. Becky Batcha, I learned a ton working with you. You brought me back to Earth a few times when I was floating from seeing my name in a big city daily, and taught me lessons about writing and editing that I will hold close wherever I go from here. Also, thanks for introducing me to Jesse P. The UPenn working dog center was a highlight of the summer. Jonathan Takiff, there arent many people who I can spend hours musically name-dropping with. There were maybe three artists that I mentioned this summer that you hadnt heard of. Although I will admit that I had to put headphones on during your interviews once or twice (so I could focus on writing), you actually taught me a lot about how to interview people. You always sounded like you were talking to old friends. In retrospect, you probably were. Chuck Bausman, thanks for remembering my original Daily News interview and my passion for hockey. Flyers rookie camp was an incredible experience. My family and friends revere the Daily News sports section and it was an honor to get a couple bylines in the back half of the paper this summer. Ed Barkowitz, although I was heartbroken on NHL draft day when we learned there werent any extra credentials (and that the Flyers didnt call my name), you helped me immensely with the few sports stories I wrote this summer. None of my friends who interned elsewhere were able to write about so many different things, and I thank you and Chuck once again for trusting me. Gary Thompson, early in my time at the Daily News, you asked me if I wanted to review Blended, a film I was sure I was going to hate. It was no Boyhood, but I enjoyed it and more importantly, it gave me space for my first film review. I enjoyed your opinions on various movies, and your cutting sarcasm. You were an easygoing cubicle neighbor. I hope I wasnt too much trouble. Lauren McCutcheon, you are most likely the funniest person Ive ever met. I associate myself with lots of funny people, so that claim should not be taken lightly. I genuinely enjoyed your presence and it was noticeable when you werent in the office. I hope your son has recovered from his Zumba injury. Ed Weiner, in addition to being one of the finest headline writers on the east coast, you also caught several of my errors this summer, for which I am grateful. That little features neighborhood wouldnt be the same without you. Molly Eichel, thanks for being the youngest person on the features staff. In all seriousness, you helped me with a number of sources throughout the summer and gave me direction on a few stories too. You also have a pretty killer Twitter brand, which is always something to strive for. Dan Geringer, I just searched Philly to make sure I was spelling your name correctly, and stumbled upon possibly the best lede Ive ever read: THE COOLEST SCHOOL in Philadelphia has a golden telescope on the roof, where everyone from kindergarten through 12th grade can watch explosions on the surface of the sun. I enjoyed our music banter and your overall affect on the other side of the wall. I would also like to thank a few folks who I didnt directly work with: Lorenzo Biggs and Denise Gallo, who always had a smile and made me feel welcome back in May when I came into the office wide-eyed and a bit daunted. Rich Hofmann, who wrote great sports columns and was always friendly with me at the coffee machine. Pat McLoone, who consistently made me feel good about the work I was doing whether on the R5 train or in the office. And, last but not least, Michelle Hall Bjork, who I finally feel (sort of) comfortable calling Michelle. This was a splendid summer and I wish the Daily News good fortune in the future, whatever it may entail. Best, Matt Matt Nestor Features Editor/Mens Ice Hockey Reporter | The Daily Collegian Pennsylvania State University 15 | Print Journalism & French 484-888-2432 | @MattyNest
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 19:06:52 +0000
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