My summer 2026 internship with the National Press Club Journalism Institute was defined by hands-on reporting, engaging in professional workshops, and direct engagement with press freedom advocacy.

My core investigative reporting work examined local administrative overreach in Montgomery County Public Schools as part of a broader collaborative project on student press freedom. In parallel, I interviewed journalism leaders on intersectionality and actively participating and supporting professional development webinars on health reporting, mental health coverage, and vertical video production.

After 10 weeks with the Institute, I’m leaving with invaluable experience, connections, and lessons about the journalism industry. Below are some of the takeaways from my reporting work and training from the Institute:

Press freedom is local, fragile, and grounded in student newsrooms

Exploring the Montgomery County Public Schools’ new restrictive policies on student journalists showed me that press freedom battles don’t just unfold on the federal scale; they are fought daily by student editors confronting district directives. Administrative review creates a chilling effect that reinforces how student journalists are vital watchdogs in their communities, and upholding legal standards like Maryland’s New Voices Act is fundamental to protecting the journalism industry.

Intersectionality strengthens reporting accuracy and depth

For a Q&A series on intersectionality, I interviewed journalists like HuffPost deputy editor Phillip Lewis (president of the Washington Association of Black Journalists) and data journalist Kae Petrin (co-founder and board president of the Trans Journalists Association), among others. Their insights illustrated that identity is not a bias to be put aside for “objectivity” but a perspective that sharpens reporting. The reporters I spoke with demonstrated how nuanced sourcing, cultural fluency, and community trust uncover angles that conventional coverage often misses.

As Petrin said, bringing multiple perspectives to reporting “builds a broader public understanding across different human experiences.”

Mentorship and coffee chats demystify journalism careers

One of the most valuable aspects of my Institute experience was connecting directly with veteran reporters, editors, and press freedom advocates through one-on-one conversations. These candid dialogues offered a window into how experienced journalists navigate newsroom politics, balance demanding beats, and sustain longevity in the field.

The dedicated mentors in the workplace who provided feedback on my reporting and advice on professional trajectories also demystified the transition from student journalism to professional practice.

Ethical sourcing requires sensitivity

The Institute’s workshops on coverage of sensitive topics, including mental health, shifted my approach to interviewing vulnerable sources. Responsible journalism means avoiding sensationalism, communicating interview expectations transparently, and handling sensitive topics with empathy while maintaining rigorous verification and editorial detachment. 

Multi-format storytelling multiplies impact

Engaging with vertical video strategies and digital-first toolkits demonstrated that complex policy reporting must meet audiences where they are. Transforming complex jargon and multi-page investigations into engaging short-form videos and concise resource guides ensures that critical press freedom and equity issues reach student reporters and the broader public effectively.

My time at the Institute expanded my investigative rigor, deepened my appreciation for newsroom inclusivity, and honed my multi-platform skill set. I am eternally grateful to the Institute editors, mentors, and staff for fostering an empowering environment dedicated to ethical storytelling and the future of press freedom.