My Final Reflections on Paddington Arts
By Julia Vetsch
And just like that, my internship at Paddington Arts comes to a close. Though my time here was limited and passed in the blink of an eye, I was able to gain valuable experiences that I will carry throughout my life. I started my internship hoping to do work that would prepare me for a career in journalism. As an editor for my university’s newspaper back in America, I was excited to practice journalism in a new and unfamiliar environment. After being assigned to Paddington Arts and reading the organization’s description, I was sure that this was the perfect place for me.
From the first day, I was welcomed with open arms by every member of the staff. Each day, everyone had a smile on their face and exuded endless positivity. At first, I was surprised by how little instruction I seemed to be given — I am used to strict directions and limited freedom with which stories to write. I assumed since this is a real-world organization, and not my school newspaper, the rules would be even more rigid.
However, Steve made clear that we should write whatever we think pertains to our peers’ interests. It was a great experience having this much creative freedom, and I loved trying to find original ideas that would fit in best with the blog. At times when I got stuck, Steve was always ready to guide me in the direction of a story. For example, he brought the story of Meanwhile Gardens to my attention; if not for this suggestion, I would never have known how much inspiration lies within the small gardens down the road from Paddington Arts.
After I had written a few articles, Steve suggested writing a piece centered around an interview. He reminded us that people are the heart of journalism, and that it would be helpful for us to gain experience with this. I chose to interview Johnny Boy Moore, a performer at the Columbia Road Flower Market. At first, I was nervous because the only interviews I’ve conducted have been pre-scheduled. Since I didn’t get a response from Moore after reaching out online, my only option was to approach him at the market and hope he’d be interested in talking to me. I’m generally a shy person, so I was worried about being a bother. However, when I approached him, he was more than happy to answer my questions and we had a great conversation. This was one of the most valuable lessons from my internship experience — it’s okay to take chances, even in situations that could be uncomfortable.
Living in London has taught me so much independence and adaptability. Navigating such a large foreign city for the first time was intimidating, but only three months later it feels like home. It still amazes me how much distinct character lies within each borough, and how areas that are just a few tube stops away from each other can seem like entirely different cities. I’m going to miss all the pubs, the parks, and the rich culture and history around every corner.
My experience at Paddington Arts and in London has been nothing short of spectacular. It was inspiring to see how much care and passion every staff member brings to the office every day. I not only got to work in a positive, inspiring environment every day, but also gained experience that has no doubt prepared me for further work in journalism. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to intern at such a wonderful organization.
