Ashley Matthews - Summer 2007

Click on photo to enlarge or download: Ashley MatthewsI have never been a sentimental type of person.

This is why, on the first day of my internship with the Scripps Howard Foundation Wire, I did not feel an overwhelming surge of emotions while listening to the Supreme Court deliver opinions. Nor did I lose my breath walking the grand hallways of the Capitol. I even kept my composure on the Senate subway, though the thought of meeting a senator did seem quite amazing.

When I finally received my press credentials later, it happened - that sudden pang of excitement. On my badge, I stared at the iridescent United States Senate seal covering my picture. This was real. I was a Washington reporter.

Before I could stop myself, I turned to the internship supervisor and blurted, "Can we keep them after the internship is over!?"

I repeat that I have never been a sentimental type of person. However, while staring at my press badge, I realized something. If I never make it as a big-time political reporter, I could always look at that badge and know that I had my chance. That badge is physical proof of my determination.

As a broadcast journalism major at Hampton University, I know this determination is what is driving me to ultimately live and work in Washington. The funny thing is that I didn't start my freshman year majoring in journalism, but in psychology.

After about two months, however, I knew that I was in the wrong place. I longed to write about issues and events affecting our country and its people. I hadn't tried journalism in my Houston high school because it didn't offer classes. I envied the journalism students who got the chance to run around campus annoying people with their probing, yet necessary inquiries. I wanted to annoy people, too.

After changing my major, I dived headfirst into studying my chosen profession. I completed two broadcast internships with KNBC in Los Angeles and NBC-17 in Raleigh, N.C., before settling down as local and world editor of the Hampton Script, my campus newspaper.

It was here that my love for political journalism grew. I found myself wanting to do more political reporting, and my interest in D.C. events intensified. In my opinion, the two most dynamic places in America are Hollywood and Washington. While both Hollywood celebrities and D.C. politicians are equally entertaining, only one group can easily change the world. And wherever they were was where I wanted to be.

So here I am, sitting at my desk overlooking downtown D.C. As I stare out the window at an American flag waving proudly from the rooftop of a neighboring building, I cannot help but to feel a little proud.

I know that if that feeling of pride ever goes away, all it takes is one look at my press badge, glowing with the official seal of the Senate, to send it rushing back.

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Reach Ashley Matthews at shws4@shns.com or (202) 325-9871.