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Although it is her dream to become a news anchor in a major market, Kurumi Fukushima ’12 had not yet taken a communications class or had any on-camera experience when she started her summer internship with CBS 21 News in Harrisburg, Pa.
“I did not feel like I was at a disadvantage compared to other interns. I believe this is because Lafayette has taught me how to think and write. My fundamental skills and the ability to learn fast really helped me get the most out of the internship,” Fukushima says.
One of her roles at CBS 21 was to act as an associate producer of the morning shows. “I felt so much pressure to write as much as I could and be productive, because there is so much content to fill for the two-hour newscast. It was so rewarding to watch the shows because this time I felt like it was partly my show,” she says.
Fukushima believes the defining moment of her experience came when she got the chance to anchor a number of pre-taped newscasts.
“The first time I sat behind the desk in the anchor’s chair felt amazing. I loved having my microphone on and all cameras on me,” she says. “At the same time, having all the attention, from the anchors and the producers in the booth, was extremely nerve-wracking. I could not have asked for a better opportunity to practice being a news anchor.”
The knowledge she gained through the internship will be valuable as Fukushima (Glen Ridge, N.J.) begins taking courses in her second major this fall. Up until now, she has focused on her international affairs major; now she will be taking classes toward her self-designed major of broadcast journalism and media studies.
Fukushima says she chose to major in international affairs because the interdisciplinary nature of the field allowed her to study a variety of subjects she enjoys: economics, government and law, history, and French.
“When I started thinking about picking a minor, I couldn’t help but think about media classes. I looked at the course catalog and noticed that there were classes that have to do with media in several different departments. Wanting to keep my options open for my future, I decided to create a self-designed second major so that it is possible to obtain my dream job,” she says.