The Cadet Diaries #9

Throughout the year, Young Post hosts a number of students to work full-time in our office for a period of two weeks. Here, the cadets will gain some valuable hands-on experience on what it's like to have a 9-5 job, working for a newspaper, shadowing reporters on assignment and participating in any of the wackiness that goes on here. The cadets will share their stories at YP in a series of blogs.

One of America’s leading writers Brian Tracy once said, “Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines.” This is what we, those who are fond of writing and wish to work in media, should always bear in mind of.

As I arrived at the office on Tuesday, I was asked if I’d like to write a news story on a dim sum competition happening at the Peninsula Hotel. My heart thumped and skipped a beat since I was not prepared for a sudden assignment. But I said yes since I wanted to give it a try.

In the beginning, I was supposed to finish the article on my own. However, as time was running out and the deadline was getting closer and closer, the editor Susan asked me to sit next to her and keep updating her with all the information related to the contest, such as the contestants’ backgrounds, their motivation for joining the competition, inspirations of their dishes and quotes from the judges. Some of these were occasionally like mission impossible as I kept calling Chris and the cadets who were at the event.

Susan and I worked hand in hand on the story but time seemed to tick away too quickly. It felt extremely intense as if the publication of the newspaper would be delayed or ceased due to any late submission. Fortunately, the article was completed in just half an hour and was sent to the printers right after the final version was checked.

Writing is never an easy thing to do especially when you have to meet tight deadlines. As a Young Post cadet, we must be prepared for every single task and finish them within the time given. Today’s intensive writing journey was such an impressive experience. Time is like water in desert, every second counts. A newspaper requires the effort of all reporters and editorial staff and each person’s contribution is vital. If anyone fails to complete their assigned task, things could not be done efficiently and the efforts made by the others will be wasted.

Whether or not you’re interested in writing, working in media allow you to experience the significance of cooperation, meeting deadlines, and so much more.