About Lauren Stephenson

Hi Everyone-

Thanks for checking out my blog! I was a participant in the William and Mary in Washington Spring 2011 program. The program gives up to 18 students the opportunity to live in Washington, D.C., while interning four days per week and taking classes. The semester’s theme was “Media as the Fourth Branch of Government,” which perfectly incorporated my love of politics and media. I was so excited to spend the semester in D.C. and glad to have the chance to share my experiences with you!

Before you read my blog, you probably want to know a little bit about me…

I am from a Chicago suburb and am so glad I do not have to deal with blizzards and forty-degree temperature changes in one day. Moving from Chicago to Williamsburg was a little bit of an adjustment, but the sense of community made Williamsburg feel like home. It was because of this sense of community that I originally decided to enroll at William and Mary.

The College has given me so many opportunities I could not have had anywhere else. The last night of freshman orientation, I went to the student activities fair and signed up for WMTV, William and Mary’s student-run television station. Two weeks later, I became co-host of The Hitlist, which was a YouTube video countdown show. It was a wonderful opportunity to gain experience in television especially since I have aspired to be a news anchor since I was four years old. Later in the semester, WMTV gave me an incredible opportunity: I hosted segments covering the William and Mary mascot search for ESPNU’s Campus Connection. It was a rewarding experience that allowed me to continue to develop my news writing and reporting skills.

Just after Thanksgiving of my freshman year, I learned I was selected to be a tour guide for the Office of Undergraduate Admission. I was elated at the prospect of being able to share my experience as a freshman with prospective students. The thing I loved most about William and Mary was the sense of community. At the end of your first week of classes as a new student, you participate in opening convocation, when peers, professors and staff members welcome you as a valued member of the community. Professors and peers alike care about you and your success at William and Mary and beyond.

During my freshman year I also became a Tribe Ambassador, member of a social sorority and member of two honor fraternities, all of which are a testament to the plethora of opportunities the College offers to freshmen.

I was the executive producer and host of TribeUpdate, WMTV’s newsmagazine, which covered everything from performances on campus to the opening of new stores in Williamsburg. The show was a great way for me to incorporate my passion for news and bring students stories that are important to them. I was also the chair of WMTV’s editorial board, which meant I got to help develop programming for the station.

While I missed those activities when participating in the William and Mary in Washington program, I was also excited for the new experiences I would have. I loved keeping up-to-date on current events by watching the news and reading online newspapers and blogs. Having the opportunity to intern for a media outlet increased my knowledge of many aspects of broadcast journalism. Moreover, the program allowed me to study the relationship between politics and media in addition to further exploring one of my favorite cities.

Despite what I have told you, you cannot know me without learning the following:

I played badminton competitively for my high school and club team for four years.

If I could be anywhere in the world, it would either be at home, in a television studio or on a beach.

I love to water ski despite the fact that I have a fear of fish.

The Chicago Blackhawks are my favorite sports team.

Jonathan Toews is my favorite athlete. Dustin Byfuglien comes in at a close second.

My family and friends are the most important to me.

I interned for WJFW, an NBC affiliate, one summer. It was the best summer I have ever had.

Chicago-style pizza is my favorite. You cannot say you have eaten pizza without eating at Barnaby’s or Lou Malnati’s. My friends realize how true this was and shipped Lou Malnati’s pizza to me for my birthday.

Besides working out, the best way for me to relax is to watch television. I could watch anything from The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer to The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

I love to make desserts including fudge, cheesecake, brownies, cookies and cake. I taught myself to fondant a cake one summer.

William and Mary allowed me to have so many fun and exciting experiences. I am so excited to to share my journey with you!