26 July 2010

A Cup of Last Day Laughs with a Spoonful of Fashion

To be honest, I don’t know to start this blog today. If I say this is my second last day here I would be acknowledging that Monday is my last day, and by doing that I would be acknowledging that I won’t be coming into work any more, and by doing that I would be acknowledging that this internship is over. And I simply don’t want to do that.
So instead, lets start like this. Oh, what a day I had. I finished my Voice Out, which I had a lot of fun writing. During lunch Shakirah, Donae and I sat outside in the sun (which failed at its attempt at being hot). Then we went into the furniture store and took some really cool but random pictures. And that, I think, sums up my day.
I must admit that I’m so looking forward to the Beauty Sale on Monday!All the products that have been sent to seventeen, the ones advertised in the magazine, have been piling up on the shelf so they’re selling it all. I wonder what they’re going to do with all the money. Perhaps they’re starting to save up so that they can hire me after I graduate next year… (That was a major hint if you didn’t get that.)
Another weekend. I know I complain a lot about Mondays. I even sometimes sing that song by The Boomtown Rats that goes, “Tell me why I don’t like Monday’s… I want to shoot the whole day down.” But this Monday will be different. Perhaps I should go look for songs that are all about loving Mondays because trust me, this coming Monday – the 26th of July 2010 – there won’t be anything that I don’t like. In fact, coming to work will no doubt be the highlight of my week.
Hurry up weekend! I can’t wait for Monday to come☺
– ¬Rutendo, Editor intern

I had a great last day here. I was here much earlier than usual because we were shootingat 9:30 at DIY studios and we had to get everything ready and packed to get there and prep. Before we went to the studio, we stopped at a secondhand store in Long Street called Second Time Around to pick up some skirts for the shoot.
When we arrived I hung out and steamed all the clothing, cut off tags and wiped the glasses clean. Then we shot all the sling handbags, the shoes and finally the outfits and jewellery. The whole thing took just over two hours and it was great to experience it.
Once we got back, I unpacked everything and made some photocopies of slips, filled them in and went on lunch. The rest of the day was chilled: we just packed clothing up to be sent back.
The last two weeks have been a real learning experience for myself: not only about the magazine industry, but about people’s different personalitiesand about myself and who I am as a person. For that fact alone its been well worth it. I will always carry this experience with me and it will help to develop me as a person and make my character stronger. I love growing, learning and gaining experience and I’m glad I could do a little of that here at seventeen magazine.
– Angie*, Fashion intern

It’s the last Friday that I’ll be here at seventeen! Sad day it is indeed. >sniff< It was BEAUTIFUL! The hot days and the rainy days I came and I sat in front of my pc working towards deadline. And deadline has come. And gone.
I just finished my Voice Out. I do hope it is good. Not much to say today, but Monday will be my last day here and I’ll be saying farewell to the team, Donae, Rutendo and Angelique! Had a good picture day today where we went all over the 17 offices and took random pics of well… EVERYTHING! Haha… it was fun! Aahh… memories indeed. I’ll be looking at those pics when I’m all grey and frail…
Looking forward to my last day at 17!
– Shakirah, Editorial intern

Today wasn’t much hard work. Stacey gave me a crash course on what an advertorial is and how it is created. She then briefed me about the advertorial for Young Solution. I then had to source images that could be used for the ad: images that depicted a problem-solvingscenario.
As I write this, I am filled with gratitude and much contentment for having an opportunity to get a taste of what always seemed to be a dream: interning at a magazine. Sadness fills me too, though, that everything must end some or other time. But this is not the end. When I complete my last year in graphic design, I will keep on doing internships such as this, apply wherever I can and just press on. Leaving home (East London) and college for two weeks was a tough decision to make. Firstly, only my mom supported my decision to take on this internship and only she listened to the voice deep within me other than the one that actually spoke, and secondly, I have missed out on a lot at college during these two weeks and will be chucked into the deep end when I get back. But it’s all right: I followed my heart and inner voice. So thanks mom, you encouraged my decision and I don’t regret it one bit because of what I leave with from here: memories, skills and experience. Because of this, I have moved a step further up to reaching my goals in life. Thanx 17.
– Donae, Art Director intern


BEHIND THE SCENES WITH FASHION INTERN, ANGIE:

One of the shots from our fashion opener shoot... Sssh!


Our gorge model getting hair and make-up done.


Steam it up!


Clothes, clothes, clothes... Don't you wish THIS was YOUR closet?

23 July 2010

These days are almost over...




To say that the last two days have been hectic would be a major understatement.
Yesterday we did the shorts shoot and it was amazing to be on set and experience the way it all happens. Although it was a long day because we have to do ten outfits it all turned out amazingly! And the model was a stunner!

Today we did some more sourcing. Man alive I’m tired. It is definitely hectic working on the fashion side of things but also really fun! Then when we eventually arrived back at the office it was time to get every thing ready for our still shoot tomorrow with an emphasis on budget shopping. It was a long day but I’m excited for tomorrow and to see how well our shoot goes!
-Angelique, Fashion intern



Two more days left at 17 (sniff sniff), heading back home is going to feel so weird. Why is life like that? Just when you getting comfy and enjoying yourself, it’s time to pack up and go. Oh well, it was a crazy experience nonetheless and hopefully one sweet day I can come back and work for 17 magazine . Today I conceptualised ideas for the monthly openers, layout and chose pics to go in the seventeen 2011 diary. Just a pity I cannot stay longer to actually put it all together; that would have been a ball! But at least seeing my idea on the diary next year will be so fulfilling. Oh, and Stacey liked it=)

Don, art director intern


Wow what a busy day indeed! Working towards deadline day, which is tomorrow! So stressed out! Lol well at least I managed to finish my transcription of the interview with Axene!

It was definite hard work I tell you! Rutendo, Donnae and I never even managed to go for lunch which we normally do, so basically the whole day was spent in the office doing some work for the October issue and deadline day!

Ciao…tomorrow will be my last Friday at seventeen. What a sad reality!
- Shaakirah, editorial intern

Seeing as tomorrow is deadline day for all our writing pieces the interns and myself took full advantage of every second of the day to finish up our tasks. We didn’t even take a lunch break but we did, of course, eat in the office. I felt like my head was ‘spinning right round baby right round.’ (good song ☺)

While typing up my voice out, I had a little bit of a ‘writers block.’ I just sat for a good hour or so typing and erasing and typing and erasing my work. I finally got my groove back after the mini break I took. I guess some times in order to work you actually need to stop working, take a break and start again.

I can only imagine what it’s like actually working and having intense deadlines . And in this industry once they put the issue to bed that’s it. No more editing or last minute writing. If you miss that deadline then, as my friends would say, “It’s late for you!”

-Rutendo Nyamuda, editor's intern



22 July 2010

17 Academy: The TV Show

What a day. Had an early start with Stacey checking out my lay out and tweaking a few things and finally signing that section off. At lunch today, the intern gals and I got snap-happy taking loads of pics, had ice cream (for lunch) and just had plain girly fun in the sun.
Thereafter, Stacey let me PDF the September issue of 17. So cool: I get to see what’s in my fave mag before any other 17ers (my friends especially) in SA (don’t be jealous now, it’ll be out soon).
As far as I know, tomorrow will be loads of fun once again. Angie and I will be scouting the streets for fashionistas (sisters with style) which will be featured in the October issue. That should call for an interesting task. Can’t wait. Yay!
– Donae, Art Director intern

SO day 8 has come to an end and what can I say?! It’s another day closer to the end of my time here!
Today, not much was done except for the fact that I had to transcribe my interview with Axene, which was quite a challenge! Woo hoo… It’s NOT fun at all to play and rewind all the time! But lunch was cool today: Rutendo, Donae and I went out and took some really cool pics in the heart of the Mother City. What a beautiful day it’s been so far! The sun is out and it’s BURNING outside! I had fun today with my new friends… the ice cream was fun too!
– Shakirah, Editorial intern

So yesterday on “Academy 17: I the Intern” (oh, that’s just the name I gave to my fake series) Jessica, the beauty intern, left us. She’s been on photo shoots for the past two days so we never actually got a chance to say goodbye. But she left with a bang, having witnessed both the hair makeovers and the best boyfriend photo shoots.
Today on “Academy 17: I the Intern”: I touched up on my writing pieces then Shakirah, Donae and myself went on a mini photo shoot of our own. Well, actually it was just lunch but we took quite a few photos so it might as well have been a photo shoot. After that I got started on my Voice Out. For now, it’s called “I Never Got the Memo”. It’s quite exciting. It’s all about fashion and how it’s constantly changing to the point where now we’re not sure what’s in or out of fashion so people are following their own trends. But I’m not going to give too much away. You must read it ☺
Tomorrow is the final countdown. 4 interns. 3 days left. 2 are always late (hehe) but there can be only one winner on “Academy 17 – I the Intern”.
– Rutendo, Editor intern






Pose. Pout. It's photo shoot time.

21 July 2010

Goodie Bags and Launches

Launches, goodie bags and fashion shoots, the life of a seventeen intern isn’t all work behind a desk – there’s also tons of fun things to do during the 9 to 5! Today we said good bye to our Beauty Ed intern, Jess, but not before she had a chance to experience a life on shoot!


Leaping down the road!


What a lovely, sunny day. A for the beach, a mocktail and my polka dot bikini, but since life’s not a beach as it seems to be on the movies (I tend to dream a lot), there is work to be done.

I spent most of today laying out the Health/Body Peace section. I could do this forever aaah…all these fonts, pictures and colours remind me of being in a candy store, you just don’t know what to choose. There are so many questions and possibilities: Which colour? What picture? What font? It’s all so much fun, except I must admit, sitting behind a desk on this lovely sunny day is just sad. If I had things my way (there I go day dreaming again), I would be on the beach, chilling with my laptop, laying out and designing, sipping on a mocktail.

Ciao,
Donae, Art director intern



This morning Taugheedah, the fashion editor, asked if I wanted to take her place at the Clicks launch today. I said no thanks… Just kidding of course I said yes! Who in their right mind would say no to going to a launch?!

Bianca, assistant to the fashion editor, Angelique, fashion intern, and I went to the launch at the Clicks head office. It was amazing. We got to see the various new brands and packages they have for the December holidays. There were quite a few media companies there. After the presentation we got to see the products. Then we walked out of the show room into the foyer and there, awaiting our appetites, were the most amazing food dishes ever, decorated with rose petals. Believe me when I say there is an art to eating ‘finger foods’ in front of people. All those years of etiquette learning are not for nothing. On our way out we received gift boxes, which is filled with amazing goodies. ☺ I, like most girls I know, LOVE goodie bags.

After the amazing launch we went to Canal Walk. Every time I go there the shops still amaze me. It reminds me of the movie Confessions of a Shopahollic. We went to source some clothing for Bianca and Angelique’s tasks.

Then it was back to the office where I did some work and before I knew it, it was reflection time aka writing my blog time.

-Rutendo Nyamuda, editor’s intern


Feeling fashion inspired

Another day closer to the end of my time here at 17….soooo sad. I cannot believe that it’s been seven days since I started. Time seems to be flying so fast! But while I’m still here I plan on making the most out of this opportunity.

So today I finalised my GGL for the October issue and I’m ready to move on to my Voice Out. Gosh it’s quite challenging to actually put pen to paper or rather fingers on the keypad! I plan on writing about something that not only inspires me as a teen, but all those seventeeners out there as well.

Really excited to see all these things get published in October!!!

- Shaakirah, editorial intern

The best was saved for last.
Today was so much fun! We spent all day in studio at DIS studios in Bree Street shooting ‘The Seven Day Hair Guide’ and five of the couples that will be used in our ‘Best Boyfriends’ story.

The model we used for the seven different hairstyles was Sasha Lee from Boss Models. She worked really well with the camera because she was very confident, yet comfortable. My favourite look was the one we’re using for Saturday. Sasha wore a green and pink tie-dye vest and her hair was straight with a few waves in the front and a really cute hippy headband. After Sasha Lee, we began working with the couples. The boys were thoroughly disgusted when they were told they had to wear makeup (it was only foundation and powder ok?!) but the girls looked like they were really enjoying themselves. All the couples seemed really nervous at first when they stepped in front of the camera but then loosened up as they got used to being in the spotlight. It’s so adorable how each girl suits her boyfriend and vice versa – you could tell who belonged to whom so easily. Just as our second last couple finished, I had to leave. Genevieve gave me my Seventeen goodie bag filled with all sorts of makeup, sunglasses, earrings and lots more and gave me a big hug as we said goodbye.

Working at seventeen was truly one of the most amazing and worthwhile experiences in my life so far. I’ve learnt so much about the magazine industry and had a real fun time doing so! I am so unbelievably grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a great team of strong and inspiring women as well as a bunch of awesome interns and I’m really going to miss the dynamic buzz of the Seventeen offices. However, this isn’t the last Seventeen will see of me – I’ll be back there on Monday for the beauty sale and then my shoot on Tuesday, and who knows, maybe I’ll even be working there one day? Here’s hoping!
- Jess, beauty intern



Enjoying the sun


Taking a lunchtime stroll

20 July 2010

Le Tour de Seventeen



Hanging out with Axene at 17 HQ!

Feels like the last lap of this four week race that’s I’ve been doing. It’s like a ‘Tour de Seventeen.’
I had a very chilled and relaxed day, working on my pieces as usual. The office was actually fairly quiet and empty today. No fashion department and intern present and no beauty department and intern present, but we still survived.
The three interns that were in the office today were Shakirah, Donnae and myself. We’re all working pretty hard to get all our things done by our deadline this Friday. I’m sure we’ll have it done.
Highlight of the day: we just met Axene. She’s a singer – homegrown right here in South Africa. She’s a very bubbly, down-to-earth and has an amazing personality. Axene seems to have the whole balance between stardom and being a normal girl, sort of like a Hanna Montana: Best of both Worlds vibe ☺
Who wants to be famous? Pick me Pick me!
-Rutendo, Editor intern

Time surely is flying by… I don’t want this to end, but I guess that all good things come to an end. This has definitely been a good thing so far. In fact, an awesome thing! One that I’ll never forget.
Today, of course, I did some more design and lay out work, and tomorrow I’ll be moving on to a new page which is quite exciting. I can’t wait to get to it. I absolutely love what I’m doing here even though it’s hard work and time-consuming. It’s my passion and it doesn’t feel like work at all.
Rutendo and I decided to take a walk to go have lunch. It’s a beautiful day in Cape Town and it would really be a waste not to spend some of the time with nature, even if it’s just five minutes.
The highlight of the day had to be meeting Axene, a South African pop\rock singer and SAMA winner. I know this sounds so clichéD but she is really down to earth, so easy to talk to and a typical 17-er! It’s so inspiring for me when I meet people from different walks of life, young or old, because we all have our own stories to tell. Wishing her all the best, she’s well on her way to the top!
– Donae, Art Director intern

Friday was a chilled day. We did some work around the office, unpacked stock, made photocopies and did a bit of filing.
Monday, on the other hand, was hectic. Right from the morning and throughout the day, we did sourcing. In other words, a LOT of shopping. It was great fun but also very tiring and, by the end of the day, my back was aching. However, it was a great experience and is a great part of the job. We only did Long street and Canal Walk and it took the entire day. That should tell you how many stores we went to and how much clothing and accessories we came back with.
What a great day!
– Angie, Fashion intern

19 July 2010

Another Week Gone

As another week draws to a close, the new batch of interns in the 17 Intern Academy reflect on the week that was and look ahead to their final week at the intern academy! Here's what they have to say:


Short day for me today as I am off to M1 agency for an interview. I worked on laying out the Health pages. Stacey, the art director, told me to change a few things and then rechecked it and according to her, “I am almost there”, so that’s great! Khwezi told us that we will be meeting with 17-year-old singer Axine who has sung with Loyiso and Lira (one of my favourite SA singers). I will be laying out that story, soooo exciting! That should be interesting, can’t wait.
Till then,
Donae, Art Director Intern


Donae, looking pretty at her desk.

No matter how good or bad your week is going it’ll always get better by uttering three simple words. It. Is. Friday.
As much as I LOVE coming to work everyday, there is something so sweet about sleeping on a Friday night knowing that you can wake up after 10:00 look at the clock and go back to sleep.
I can honestly say today must have been my most productive day and I didn’t even have my morning coffee fix. I finally finished the two pieces I have been working on, I finished part one of the things I needed to do for the Media24 Excellence Awards, I sent out e-mails, I received some and I even took a break. Wow. I think it’s because I wrote down everything I needed to, in a handwriting I could read and all in the same place.
We also had a meeting earlier on today about which categories we were going to enter for the Media24 Excellence Awards. What was supposed to be a three man meeting with Khwezi, Jessica and I turned out to be an all the editors and me meeting ☺. It was cool. Everyone giving their opinions and ‘chilling’. I felt so cool. Maybe someday I’ll be one of the editors. How does Rutendo Nyamuda Internship Editor sound?
I can’t believe I only have one week left of interning. It feels like just yesterday I got the message that I got in. Well I need to take full advantage of next week. I really can’t wait.
So I’m off to have a great weekend. I’m going to be super busy sleeping. Do not disturb!!
-Rutendo, Editor’s Intern


Wow the weather is soooo cold outside! Gosh, luckily the Seventeen offices are warm to the max!
So this morning I arrived late, again! But I made up for it by doing a coffee run with Angie (Fashion Intern).
Khwezi the Editor of 17, came up to me and asked me, to do a FAB interview next week. It is with Axene, the youngest SAMA winner. It’ll be taking place on Monday, so I got homework for this weekend! I’m really excited for this because it’s an experience I will definitely not forget as it is my first professional interview.
Day 5 is almost done, just finishing my work and proof reading my article! Awesome, man!
- Shaakirah, Editorial Intern


Shakirah, chilling at the office.

16 July 2010

A Dull Day? Never!

I can now count my days left working at seventeen on one hand… I can’t believe my internship is almost over! It makes me sad to think that very soon, I won’t be walking through the door of 8 Ink Media, passing the giant Taylor Lautner poster, climbing the clangy metal stairs and greeting the ever-friendly seventeam every morning. These past two weeks have been such an incredible, insightful and energizing experience and I don’t want to have to leave.
So about that heavy box of beauty products I mentioned yesterday… I got very brave and thought I’d try lifting it today. Wow! That did not go down well – I almost dropped it! I spent most of the morning sorting out the products into different piles of lipstick, hair products, skincare, eye shadows, etc. and then putting them into separate boxes.
The next hour or so, was spent with my ear to the phone as I tried my best to get hold of the last few couples for the “Best Boyfriend” feature and the girls who are getting their hair made over tomorrow. Needless to say, I failed miserably. No answer. No voicemail. No nothing.
One good thing though: I got another half day today because Genevieve has a launch this afternoon – on a yacht (lucky her!) ☺


The awesome seventeen Beauty cupboard... Wish I could have one of these at home!

The day started out really great. Firstly, writing my learner’s exam was NOT fun at all but passing it was awesome! I really didn’t think I would actually make it, but I did and VOILA! Yours truly is now a learner driver haha!
I didn’t really expect the day to get any better after that, but was I in for a real treat. Later on in the day Jess, Rutendo and I attended the iPod Touch launch at the V&A Waterfront. It was AWESOME!
We were greeted by Taryn from the iPod team and asked to join the quiz that was about to take place. We were also given a Demo iPod Touch and it was exciting to use the apps, although we kept struggling to make them work! Lol… However, Jess, Rutendo and I ended up coming 2nd in the competition with 46 points! Whoo hoo!
– Shakirah, editorial intern


Jess and Rutendo testing out the new iPod Touch

Today I did quite a lot of research for the fashion pages for the October issue. I also helped pack out clothes that had arrived from different companies and that we’ll be using in the shoots next week. I went along to source at Lipsy for the metallic shoot and there were there some beautiful garments.
Today was a little quieter than usual but just as different and interesting as any other!
– Angie, fashion intern


All these beautiful clothes... Sigh!

Today started off slow with not much to do. I get here first and leave here last (gosh, is that how much I love this place?) haha! Stacey gave me some more work to lay out. I’m currently laying out the health pages, giving it my personal touch but obviously sticking to the seventeen house style and trying my best not to get carried away. It’s just the health section after all. At lunch I decided to take a walk into town. Looked for some more celeb pictures too: to find a really good or appropriate one is kinda difficult. One can actually spend the whole day doing this but I enjoy it… the life of a graphic designer… Aah!
– Donae, art director intern


Donae with the new GIANT poster of the July/August issue cover

15 July 2010

Random mo's, shoots and making the most of it all

Hey! So it’s day 3 of my 17 internship and so far, so good. My friends and family all keep telling me to make the most of the opportunity and I intend on doing just that with my time here. The experience in the office has been unlike any I’ve experienced before. I have not, as yet, gone out into the field. However, tomorrow we will do just that.
What a rainy and COLD day it was indeed. I was a TINY bit late… okay, it was by a half an hour! But with good reason: I was drenched!
My tasks for the day were to complete my piece for the GGL and to look up some ideas for my VOICE OUT article that Jess wants me to write for October’s issue. I’m excited but haven’t come up with a very good idea yet.
I took some cool pics in the office today with Donnae (another intern). Random moments are always the best (SMILE and say CHEESE!) hehe…
– Shakirah, editorial intern

Gearing up for a BIG day at the seventeen offices.

What a day! Full, new and really interesting. I went with the fashion team to a still shoot at Digital Image Studios in Cape Town where we did a shoot on what one could take along in their hand bag on their first day at a new job. It was great to see how the process works, what the studios look like, how the photographer operates as well as how meticulous the fashion team is about how they lay out the products to make sure its photographed perfectly.
Later on in the day the fashion team and I attended an event by Poetry for their new spring/summer range. That was a great experience. It was interesting too see how the fashion team is spoilt when they go to events: treats and goody bags are one of the perks of the job. Poetry’s new range is also really stunning with a very Grecian, luxurious and relaxed feel to their range.
I learnt a lot today and again it hasn’t been anything like the first two days, which is wonderful because I’m experiencing something new each day!
– Angie, fashion intern

Laying it all out... it's close-up time!

Yikes, today was freezing! Luckily, the Seventeen offices are so nice and warm. I had to strip down half my layers when I arrived this morning.
After a very relaxing day off, I was put straight back to work and spent most of the morning sorting out more products for the beauty sale. The box is overflowing and I don’t even want to try picking it up – not that I’ll be able to!
I did some phoning around for Genevieve and then filed some press releases of new products as well as all the z-cards of models that have come for castings over the past few months. Wow, some of those girls are really beautiful!
Lunch was spent at my desk (well, Rutendo’s desk seeing that I don’t have one anymore and she wasn’t here today), browsing Facebook because it was too cold to go outside! Afterwards, Gen asked me to do some photocopying for her and then to phone all the couples we’ll be using in the “Best Boyfriend” special (coming up in the October issue) to confirm that they’re available for their photo shoot on Tuesday. They all sound really excited – even the boys!
– Jess, beauty intern

Studi0 time... hope those hotties are ready to be photographed ;)

Finally I got to see how a ‘still shoot’ is done. Taugheedah (the fashion ed), Bianca ( the fashion assistant), Angie (the fashion intern) and I headed down to the studios to get some shots of what a girl needs to have in her bag. Angie and I helped with carting the products that were photographed, cut off tags from them and also gave our input on what could be shifted here or there. It didn’t take very long to do and everything ran smoothly. Afterwards, the photographer showed us what the spread will more or less look like once published and (being a visual person) I could already picture the published result.
Tried getting some more pictures to use in the mag and then got down to business… MY business: design and layout. I layed out the health section and it was fun playing around with colour and text, and placing of images. I just hoping my layout will impress Stacey and that it’s used =)
Tomorrow we’re off to the iPhone launch but that’s a whole other story to tell…
– Donae, art director intern


Oooh... get me some of those goodies for my bag!

14 July 2010

The New Kids... :)


17 Intern Academy Introduces some new faces...


“A wise man once said: ‘Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in you life again’ and that’s exactly what I am doing. That’s right, I’m at 17 magazine HQ, South Africa, and it is absolutely awesome to be here. Not only is that awesome but to see where the magic happens is amazing.
I will be here for two weeks working with the art director, Stacey, putting together the October issue. My task for the day was to get images that’ll be used in the mag, page through other countries issues of 17 to get some visual stimulation and a good feel for this industry.
The girls interning with me are really friendly and fit into the seventeam quite well… who knows, we could be the ones taking over next haha. With that said, being here (is it real? pinch me!!) just makes me realise that nothing’s impossible and I feel like I am a step closer to where I really wanna be: the fashion and magazine industry.
Can’t wait for tomorrow and the next day and the next…
Looking forward to the time I will be spending here, the experience, the friendships to be made… in a nutshell: the memories.”
– Donae, Art Director intern

“You know what I love most about Tuesdays? Nothing really. I think it’s just there so Monday won’t feel so close to Wednesday.
I’m in the final stages of finishing the careers flow chart, unofficially titled Road… Chart after school and the careers spread sheet, unofficially titled My Career is better that yours. I’m so excited to see the end product, but more excited to ‘put them to bed’ (just a little journalism lingo).
Tonight I’m going to go through my second batch of Seventeen Magazines that I’m reading through for the Media24 Magazines Excellence awards. I must admit I’ve never been able to say that I had to read through magazines as my job… I do that for fun ☺
I also spent more time with the new girls today, who by the end of the week I’ll stop addressing them as the new girls. They all seem like nice people. I must admit that I do miss the others. Would’ve been cool to all be here at once, 10interns one time☺
But such is life that we can’t control change, we can only embrace it.”
– Rutendo, Editor intern

“Well I'm almost nearing the end of Day 2, and it's been quite an experience. Yesterday I met Deputy Editor Jessica Manim, the person I will be reporting to and interning under for the next two weeks.
The day started off slow and easy as I took the first strides up Somerset Road in Green Point, looking for the 8 ink media offices of seventeen magazine for my 17 Intern Academy Programme. I entered the seventeen offices and was greeted by a lovely receptionist who immediately made me feel at home. The vibe here at seventeen is awesome. Not what I expected, but it will most definitely pick up.
My first assignment for the day included searching through past copies of seventeen and checking out the HOTTEST fashions. Well, I can tell you one thing... I am overwhelmed by the beauty products they have right here!!!! Like a mini cosmetics department(every girls heaven) lol...
My last assignment for the day was to come up with an idea that will be used in the October Issue, "17's Girls Guide to Life".
So day 2 has come to an end and it has been a blast! I met the rest of the team today in what was also my first meeting here at the magazine. I also met the Editor Khwezi Magwaza in the process of it all and I just love her way of doing things. Working on my feature for the October issue of seventeen went better than expected. I came with some cool ideas for the GGL section. It has been quite a slow day though, however I bet tomorrow will bring more surprises and more fun!”
– Shaakirah, Editorial intern

12 July 2010

So Long, Farewell...

Having to say goodbye is always emotional on some level. Whether you’ve known someone your whole life, a week or just one day, some emotional heartfelt pain always follows the words “goodbye”.
Four of the interns, Kayla, Lezanne, Ashleigh, Jodi and, my partner in crime, Danelle, are leaving the 17 Internship Academy today. I’m going to miss our lunches, joking around and random photo sessions. It’s amazing how quickly you become friends with people you never thought you’d ever meet. Thank goodness for e-mail and Facebook. ☺
There were actually two farewells today. The one was for two employees that also work in the building and the other was for the 17 interns. We went down stairs and had some really good snacks. Then we came up and bid the four girls farewell.
On the work front: Danelle edited my work and I did hers. She’s a really talented, witty writer. Next week is looking up. There’s an iPod Touch launch that Jessica Manim (the deputy ed) has invited another girl and I to. Then there might be a potential car launch that I might go to (but I don’t have my driver’s so I might not). Mom, you were right I should’ve gotten it when I was still young ☺ hehe
Danielle gave all of us a farewell present but she also bought me a bottle of Evian water. It’s an inside joke but trust that I’ll use it well.
I’m planning on having an amazingly restful weekend. Next week we’re also getting a few more additions to the 17 Intern Academy. It should be fun. They should make this into a series and call it “The Academy”.
– Rutendo, Editor intern

The last day… A day of mixed emotions… I came in a bit earlier this morning to put the finishing touches on my article. Reading it for the last time was quite nerve wrecking… Will they like it? Will they think it’s horrible? The thing is, there’s really nothing more you can do about it. I’ve worked really hard on it and I gave it my best shot, so all I can do is hope for the best.
I got each of my fellow intern-lunch-buddies of the past week and a half a mini Lindt box of chocolates and wrote them each a note. I can’t believe how close we’ve become in just a week and half! I’m going to miss goofing off with them! I spent the morning finding pictures to go with my article and editing Rutendo’s career piece. It’s really good: I think you guys will love it. Then we had our “goodbye” party. :’( We had cupcakes and other nice snacks and then we each got a goodie bag! It was really sad saying goodbye to the seventeam and the other interns.
I decided to look through all of the photos of the past week and a half…
Trying to put my experience into words is like trying to nail jelly to a tree: impossible. It’s really been AH-mazing. I can’t believe today was my last day. I’ve learnt so much about the whole magazine industry and what this job really is about. Working with Zainab, Jess and Khwezi has been one great learning experience.
Great friends, writing, photos, lots of laughs, research and learning: I’m taking incredible memories back home with me. I came here with the idea that I might want to work as a journalist one day, and I can honestly say I’m leaving here knowing that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
– Danelle, Editorial intern

It’s my last day… AAW!!! I’m so sad to have to leave here. But I put on my happy face and carried on through the day. I started out with a search for more celebrity pictures and after that we had a goodbye meeting with lots of snacks and treats. Then we came upstairs to receive our certificates and amazing goody bags. I feel so lucky words can’t even begin to describe it! After that we held a mini photo shoot and got some awesome pictures out of it that will make brilliant reminders of my experience here. Choking back tears, I headed back to my desk to search for pictures one last time before saying goodbye to this unforgettable experience. Thank you to everyone involved and to those that I met during my stay here at Seventeen. You’ll all hold a special place in my heart forever…
– Kayla, Art Director intern

I spent most of the morning looking for more references for our hair makeovers piece and sorting more beauty products that Genevieve received – every different kind of hair accessory you could think of from Cosmic Options was there! I also read through Danelle’s piece on TV careers, which is really well done and interesting. It’s crazy how over-glamourised TV shows are nowadays.
At lunchtime, the whole office (including the NG Kids and NG Traveller teams that share the offices with seventeen) gathered round to say goodbye to two of the staff members. We had lots of yummy snacks like cupcakes and sweeties and then went upstairs to say goodbye to the interns who were leaving. They each got given a goodie bag (can’t wait for mine!) and we took some more photos! I am so sad to see them go.
Now it’s the weekend, and while the Seventeen are off for some team-building, I’m off for some R&R! ☺
– Jess, Beauty intern

So, today is my last day interning here at seventeen. I’m going to miss it so much especially lunch with Rutendo, Danelle, Jess and Kayla. Aww (tear, tear)
The interview yesterday went really well except for me being exceptionally nervous. I have really enjoyed working with everyone here at seventeen especially Delene, the entertainment editor.
Oh how I’d love to stay, but unfortunately I gotta go ☹ We got awesome goodie bags ( I haven’t looked in mine yet) If they offer another internship next year, I would encourage everyone to apply. It is sooo much fun and you get to meet really interesting people. Just one thing to remember: Don’t be late on your first day!! (Like I was) lol
I will really miss it here ☹
– Lezanne, Entertainment intern





09 July 2010

Almost over….

It’s hard to believe that our first group of interns in the seventeen Intern Academy will soon be leaving us! It feels like it was yesterday we were all sitting in the boardroom, getting to know one another over breakfast. But although the time is almost over – there’s still work to be done!


Ah...to be an editor!

“I couldn’t get out of bed this morning and because of that I was 10 minutes late for work. I didn’t get into trouble or anything. But if there’s one thing I hate, it’s being late. (Rhyme ☺)

I thought the rest of my day would be down hill from there, but then I remembered where I am interning and I figured it wouldn’t be possible to have a bad day here. I just need to add a few more things to the careers spread sheet and my flow chart needs a little more flow. Jessica Manim, the deputy editor, and I are still having problems with Vodacom Color. Well the average person would find it weird that when we type in ‘Vodacom Color’ a German website pops up… Every year seventeen enters the ‘Media24 Magazines Excellence Awards’. This year Khwezi has asked Jessica Manim and me, yes me, to go through the past magazines to see which issues we will enter and what categories we will enter for. I am so excited. I am really enjoying these tasks.

We just voted for hot boys that will feature in the magazine. Let me just admit that there are some really fine boys out there. Why can’t I find just one for me… “Can any body find me… a hot boy to love?” Tomorrow is the last day of the 17 Academy for most of the girls here, besides Jess Stromin, the beauty intern, and myself. It’s going to be pretty sad to see the others go.
- Rutendo, editor intern

“Last night I finally received an e-mail from a Forensic Anthropologist. After being all stalkerish and sending e-mails to half of the world's Forensic Anthropologist asking them if they would answer a few questions for my article, all the trouble suddenly seemed worth it. I can't believe I'm almost done with my article. I can't believe I'm almost done interning... I can't believe I got to write my own article!
We started off the day with a meeting where we all got the chance to tell everyone what we're busy with. Khwezi asked Rutendo and me to stay and chat with her after the meeting... Ta dum ta dum ta dum... Haha! Okay, I was a little nervous, but it wasn't that bad at all. She read both our articles and just basically told us what's good about it and what she thinks would improve it. Tomorrow, Rutendo and I are going to be editing each other's work, because Khwezi wants us to see what the editing process is like. After all, that's why we're interning in the editorial department!
I'm really going to miss my fellow interns. We had the best lunch today- we went to a little cafe called Menu, and just sat there and chilled and laughed a bit. I can't believe I'm made such great friends in such a short time! After that, we all went straight back to work. We had a hottie meeting at the end of the day where we got to vote for who the hottest and the nottest SA and international celebs are. It was so much fun, I just stared at the pictures of guys the whole time - they're all soooo HOT! It was really difficult giving them each a rating out of ten - I thought all of them deserved "full marks" hehe. Oh, and we each got to keep one picture... of course I took Matt (Liam in 90210!) home with me.
Well, this has been quite an exciting and eventful day. Now I just got to put that finish touches on my article... wish me luck!!
- Danelle, editorial intern



Kayla hard at work

“I can’t believe my journey is nearly over! It feels like just yesterday I had started here. I guess the saying is true then: time flies when your having fun.
Today started with some eye candy for me as searched for more Justin Bieber pictures. I then sat in on a meeting for the interns to see how far we all are with our projects. It was announced that we have a half-day tomorrow and a breakfast to see us off. I’m so excited but also sad at the sad to say goodbye.
Then I had a break and chatted with the other interns before heading back to the office to search for more pictures. This time I had to find pictures of celebrities which was so much fun to do. Afterwards we had another meeting to vote who was hot or not for an up-coming issue. It was so much fun and I even got a picture of Taylor Lautner out of it. It’s so going up on my bedroom wall☺
And that was the end of my busiest day here at seventeen. But even though I was busy, I still had a blast…”
- Kayla, art director intern

“My day started off great, ready to do some work. Nothing new, I started off answering some oh boy questions. Like I said before, I feel like Dr.Phil! Haha. Later on, after finishing all that, it was time for lunch - walking down Somerset Road makes one feel as one is in New York City with crowds of people walking up and down. All six of the interns, including me, felt like we were the next Sex and The City girls, the way we walked to the shops and how we dress for work - it’s so much fun!! After some yummy lunch it was time to start working again. Did you know there will be a Mean Girls 2? I didn’t now I’m supa excited. Before home time we had a meeting with Khwezi and the ladies discussing all the overseas hotties and the local ones! Having a laugh with all of them really does make me happy to be here. It’s been amazing here and I’m very sad to be leaving tomorrow but I will never forget any of the wonderful people I met. Chat tomorrow.”
- Ashleigh, digital intern


Posing around the seventeen office!


Sourcing products for shoots is not always simple!

08 July 2010

Midweek Madness: Photoshoots & Taylor Lautner

It’s halfway through the week and it’s hard to believe there are only a few days left of the first part of the 17 Intern Academy! The girls have been busily working on their articles, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been time for some fun too!


Getting together to pose!

“I’m back from my day off and am rearing to go…
Today started off with me pitching my idea for next year’s diary to Stacey, the art director. So I pulled up a chair and went to fetch my notes only to discover that my notes had disappeared! Luckily I remembered most of my ideas and could pitch them to Stacey off the top of my head. She seemed to like my idea, yay me☺, and now I can’t wait to see if she actually uses it.
My next task for the day, and this is for all those future Mrs Biebers out there, was to find images for next month’s story on Justin Bieber. I also had to find a runway picture of a mint green and candy floss pink summery outfit. But after the amount of pictures I had to go through before I could find them, you’d expect that I was searching for a picture of a one-eyed man riding on the back of the Loch Ness Monster!
After that search ended, I had to write a review on the July/August issue. Yes, that’s right, I got a free copy of the latest issue. It’s so awesome! Then we had a mini photoshoot of all the interns. It was pretty fun; sneaking around the office to try and get a picture by the editor’s desk. I felt like a little kid again and a famous one at that what with all the camera flashes going on☺”
- Kayla, art director intern


"Wow. So today I am super amped! This morning I was really tired and I just wanted to sleep. I dislike waking up early, but the minute I walked into the seventeen offices, I was wide awake. I walked past the huge Taylor Lautner cover on the wall, up the stairs and to my desk and I was warmly greeted by Rutendo and Danelle, my fellow interns. Oh, how I love it here. So this morning Delene, the enterainment ed, called me to her desk and told me that I will be interviewing a celeb. A real celebrity. I’m super excited. The interview is tomorrow. I won’t say who it is just yet. Gotta wait till my next blog ☺
At lunch, I had the most delicious sandwich. Yummy! The other girls and I love our lunch break because we get to chat (not that we don’t do it in the office) lol. Whenever we want to take a group picture of all of us interns, one person is missing. Today we FINALLY had everyone. We took many pictures with many different cameras. It was so much fun ☺ it’s almost time for me to leave. Each day seems to get better and better. I love it here. Until tomorrow peeps."
- Lezanne, entertainment intern


Jodie and Ashleigh

"So today I am kitted out in the colours of the Spanish flag as I back my team in the semi-finals tonight. Today has been quite busy so far. This morning I have been contacting more Urban Scouts, even though many of the girls’ phones go straight to voicemail, in order to get their addresses for their gifts. I also did a video recording for Kerry telling Media24 why I love seventeen and why I chose to be an intern here. I was really nervous but I thoroughly enjoyed it all. I was even told I was a natural. At lunchtime Ashleigh and I went out to Spar to get some sweet (and savoury) snacks. After having my lunch, I was about to get down to business when the other interns came down to take group photos. Taking the photos was great fun and upon returning to my desk, I can officially say that my jaws are sore from smiling. But it was all worth it.
It is almost 3pm already! I have no idea where the time has gone! I am now going to be working on a cover letter that will be sent out via email, to the seventeen clientele. I am also excited because I will be getting a sneak peak at the July/August issue. Definite perks to being an intern."
- Jodie, PR intern

This morning I woke up so amped to get to work. Got here on time and Jennifer, the group digital editor, came to me with loads of work to do today. I started off doing some gossip stories and managed to find out some great new celeb juice! After all that fun, I then had to do some love doctor questions. I felt like Dr. Phil It’s like Ugly Betty here, everyone is running around doing their job and I’m running around too as I have so much to do! After having some lunch with Jodie, I went back to work and a little while later the interns from upstairs came down to take some group pictures. I’m going to miss it here. Look at me standing by Taylor Launter poster lol so cool hey. It was so much fun taking pictures with the girls back to work. Chat soon keep smiling ☺
- Ashleigh, Digi Ed intern


We're def Team Jacob!

07 July 2010

Hot Guys, Lunch and... Netherlands to Win?

“Today has been quite busy, as I have been working on our newsletter. I am really excited to see how it will turn out! Since I walked in this morning I have been busy typing away and putting together a possible format for the newsletter. Ashleigh and I had a quick lunch together. I can’t believe that I have just 2 more hours left at seventeen today. Time really does fly when you are kept busy and having fun. Well, now to find a place where we can get foliage or vines. Hope it won’t take me TOO long.”
– Jodie, PR intern

“The weather this morning was really bad, but it was warmer in the office. We had a meeting this morning where we looked at pictures of boys (their girlfriends too though) for an article. It was sooo much fun :D
This day seemed like it went by so quickly. Maybe it’s because we end work at 14:30 today because the game is in Cape Town. I’d say work was pretty cool today. I love saying work ☺ I work now ☺ lol. This is all going to be over soon and I will miss it, especially lunch will my fellow interns ☹ aww I wish it wouldn’t end.”
– Lezanne, Entertainment intern



Checking out a few pics of some hotties ;)

“Holland! Wooohooo! Okay, apart from being totally SUPER EXCITED about tonight’s soccer match, today was really great. I walked into the offices (wearing my orange Netherland’s T-shirt of course!), greeted the other interns and started working on my article. I’m really excited about it, I think all the research was actually worth it (not to mention a lot more exciting than doing research for a school task). We also had a mini meeting about the boy’s talk section, which was really cool, because we got to look at all the pictures and decide which guys are hot enough (okay, not really, the answers are also important), and some of those guys were really good looking, hehe. This afternoon we each got a free issue of Seventeen, which was quite cool, and the rest of the day we all just worked on our articles. But for now I’m off to go and watch Netherlands win… until tomorrow, tot ziens!! “
– Danelle, Editorial intern

“I don’t really feel like staring this with the usual “Today I…” or “Today was a good day…” or even “I am happy…” I want to take a different approach so I’m going to start with this.
Dear person reading this blog. If there is one thing I’ve learnt about being a journalist it is that you have to find different ways of saying the same thing. If you think about it, there are only a few ways to say one thing, unless of course you can say it in a different language.
I’m virtually finished with my careers spread sheet. I’m giving myself till the end of Wednesday to draw a close to it (my first deadline). Other wise, as “intern editor”, I’ll fire myself. (Not really)
We went through the ‘best boyfriend’ feature earlier on today... It’s really nice to see a feature begin to take shape. Some of the guys and girls that live in Cape Town will be coming to the Seventeen offices to do a mini photo shoot for the feature. I’m quite excited because hopefully my friends will be able to come through.
Another thing I’m working on is a report back for Vodacom’s new Color feature for phones. I’m not totally sure what it’s about yet.
Today we’re finishing a lot earlier because of the World Cup game happening today. This means two hours less of ‘Seventeen time’ ☹ “
– Rutendo, Editor intern




Lunch anyone?

06 July 2010

No Blue Mondays at 17 HQ

“The dreaded Monday morning curse hit me this morning as I got out of bed. I really didn’t want to get up out of my warm, cozy bed and start the day. I dragged myself to the bathroom to get ready and then headed off to work. I must admit, I wasn’t too enthusiastic about it. Then I entered the building and the casual, fun air hit me and I couldn’t help but feel energised and eager to work.
I got my first assignment today where I was allowed to come up with ideas all by myself. So I dug right in and spent the entire morning coming up with creative designs for next year’s seventeen diary. I really enjoyed doing that and the excitement filtered through every creative bone in my body. Then it was time for lunch and the interns went to strut their stuff out in the city. Okay, so it was more like walking to a nearby Spar and back, but everything I do here just seems so much more glamorous that I can’t help but exaggerate.
After we got back I looked through some US issues of seventeen to find pictures for the diary. Then a few of the other interns and myself started to get itchy feet and decided to have our own photo shoot. We pulled out a few poses around the office and then it was back to work.
And so another day draws to a close. I can’t believe I’ll have to go back to school after this. It’s going to be such a drag compared to this. I guess I’ll just have to enjoy every moment I have left of this amazing opportunity…”
– Kayla, art director intern


Kayla and Rutendo having "a moment" with June cover star, Taylor Lautner




“Walking into the offices today, I felt like a grown-up going to work. It felt really awesome to think that this could one day be my job. (I know it’s going to take really hard work and effort to get there, but it would be worth it!) We started today with a meeting to discuss how far we all are with our different stories. It was really helpful hearing the seventeam’s opinions and comments on our stories, and it was also interesting to hear about what they were working on.
After the meeting, I realised that I really want to make a success of my story so I immediately started working and doing research. Sometimes you have to get a bit out of your comfort zone and do something you’ve never done before, but it’s all part of the experience! I went out to lunch with some of the other interns – it was really cool hearing what they were working on and getting to know them. When we got back, we all immediately started working again. I sent a few e-mails to some of my sources, did a bit of research and checked in with Rutendo (our intern editor!) every once in a while for a break. Oh, and I had a really delicious Black Cat Bar! I think I might be ready to start writing tomorrow. Yes! ☺”
– Danelle, editorial intern

“Today was so great. I arrived at the office well rested from the weekend. We had a meeting in the morning to discuss the next issue and what we are all working on. After the meeting we got straight to work until lunchtime.
At lunchtime, the rest of the girls and I stepped out of the office. It was sooo cold! But as we got used to the outside air, it got warmer. When I returned to the office, Bianca (the fashion assistant) and I went sourcing. We visited many shops in search of what we would need for a shoot we’re doing for the October issue. We found most of the things that we needed.
After this day, I am really tired and my feet are really sore from all that walking in the mall. Overall, I’d say that my day was GREAT! ☺”
– Lezanne, entertainment intern

“My first task of the day was to be write a cover letter for an email that goes out to various media houses but the information that I need will only be available once the magazine is released. This task would have required me to neaten up some documents before attaching it to an email with my cover letter and sending it off to clients. Let’s hope I can get the information soon because I am excited to write a cover letter that will be associated with seventeen magazine!
After working with Siham (the permanent PR and Events intern) for a little bit, I went to the Spar to grab some lunch with Ashleigh (another intern). On the way back we bumped into the other interns who were also out for lunch. Ashleigh and I then got back to the office and had our lunch together. Thereafter I continued to help Siham with the online newsletter and after completing my tasks she told me that I write well. *special moment*
I received some responses from the emails I sent this morning and I hope to receive a lot more by tomorrow. The other girls thought of taking a group photo of the interns but Lezanne was out so we put the photo on hold. Let’s hope that tomorrow we can get that photo because it is already 4pm! Shoo! This day went by quickly. I can’t believe it’s almost home time. No blue Mondays at seventeen magazine!
– Jodie, PR intern

05 July 2010

Getting Stuck In!

The first week of the 17 Intern Academy arrived way too fast for us! The group has gotten down to business pretty quickly and are all hard at work on their assignments, helping the seventeam create the October issue of seventeen.


Rutendo hard at work - shortly before her screen collapsed!


This morning I thought I was going to be late for work, but turns out I was early. Four of the interns, including myself, were all wearing some sort of blue. We were matching, but we didn’t plan it (I guess great minds dress alike). Later, while I was typing away happily, the screen fell over and the stand broke! The computer is a Mac so I was in quite a bit of shock and my heart went over the beat limit. The staff came to help me all a little shocked as well. I sort of didn’t know what to say, all I know is it fell on it’s own. I’m still using it. It’s held up by a box and presstick (old school).

At the moment I’m working on two of my four stories, one is on careers and the other is a fashion piece with fashion ed Taugheedah’s assistant, Bianca. The piece is about fashion in the work place. We also had a really interesting chat about the fashion industry and how she started working.

I’m off to have a great weekend. I’ve got some work to do and a little research carry out, but it doesn’t seem like work to me.

See you on Monday.
-Rutendo, editor's intern


Today was so great. I finally met the entertainment editor of seventeen – she’s been off sick - and she is really nice. I will be working with her over this next week. This morning she gave me a stack of CDs and a few books that I have to review. So, I spent my whole day finishing my tasks from yesterday and listening to all the CDs. I only managed to listen to 4 today. Well, I know what I’ll be doing this weekend. Lol ☺

We also had a meeting this afternoon, which was really cool. The seventeam is soooo funny. I loved every bit of this day. Too bad it’s Friday and I can only come back on Monday. I am really glad that I am a part of this internship because I can finally see what goes on behind the scenes of seventeen magazine and the other interns are really cool people. I love this job! ☺

- lezanne, entertainment ed's intern


Danelle and Rutendo discuss an article

When I got home yesterday, I was exhausted. I wanted to take a half an hour nap and then go jogging, but the half an hour nap turned into 3 hours - I never thought working could be so fun and so tiring at the same time! When I got here this morning, I immediately started doing research for my article. I kind of had no idea where to start, so I was really grateful when Zainab, the junior copy editor, asked me to go with some of the staff on the coffee run. Caffeine is always a good! After my cappuccino, doing research was a breeze and I suddenly felt really inspired, hehe. I spent the afternoon writing, doing research and laughing (especially when Rutendo’s screen fell over… hehe, it wasn’t her fault, but it was really random. Someone needs to phone Apple!!). It’s been fun, BUT I’m glad it’s Friday. Can’t wait to see what next week will be like - I have a feeling I might need to get some sleep this weekend!

- danelle van rensburg, editorial's intern


Jodie at her Mac.

So I have arrived waaaaaay to early once again and I am sure that the staff must think that I am a little whack for being here before everyone else, but there never seems to be traffic when I travel… My day started off with Kerry, who works on the digital team, asking me if I would like to be in the magazine by making a comment on going green. Obviously I said yes! I mean, how could I refuse? Next it was off to a meeting with the Marketing Department, where we discussed the upcoming survey for National Geographics Kids (NG Kids). The meeting was interesting and it felt amazing to be able to give my input to the concept of the survey and actually have the staff approve of my ideas. After the meeting things mellowed down a bit… it must be because it is Friday. For the rest of the day I just made a few phone calls to the winners of the NG Kids competition and surfed the Net. The phone calls were quite special, especially since I got to speak to one of the winners, Lisa Viret, and she was so excited to be the winner of the competition and receiving her prize. It feels good when you are able to make some else happy.

- Jodie, PR's intern