INTERNSHIP 101

Hey everyone! Ok so this is going to be a kind of long post because I want to give you all the lowdown on my internship and what's been going on lately. Just try to stay with me!

On Monday all 7 of us started our internships, and each f us has a different one according to our interests. In some cases, they're directly related to our majors, and in other cases, they just have to do with something we're interested in. It's convenient that Thomas, the guy at IFE who coordinates the internship part of the program, also works for a website named Parutions.com which reviews books and DVD. Most of the books are French, but not all. Well, if they're not originally French, they're translated. Since I interned at a literary agency this past summer, I though this offer would suit me really well. I work in the IFE building since the website does not have a proper building or headquarters, and Thomas is there so he can help me if I ever need anything. And luckily, it's only a 20 minute walk from my foyer! I work at 10, which is not too early or late, and I have a nice walk to work. What are my main responsibilities, you ask? Well! I read books, write reviews/articles for the website, and then, in most cases, interview the author. It's a pretty sweet deal, I think. For example, Thomas gave me a collection of short stories written by Jay McInerney, an American author. His most noted work is Bright Lights, Big City, which I actually never read. I only have the French translated version of the new book, of course, so I had to read it twice to make sure I really understood it. It interested me for the most part, though some of the subject material is coarse/shocking/uncomfortable. I definitely want to read it in English, though! The vocabulary, at times, was difficult and I had to frequently consult my little dictionary. I like working in IFE because it's quiet and I can really focus on my work. On the other hand, I don't have the opportunity to constantly be surrounded by people speaking French so I can listen and also speak to improve my French. At least I'm reading a lot of it!

My interview with McInerney is Friday (day after tomorrow) and I'm really glad my first interview is in English. I've begun to put together a bunch of questions, and I think I'm on the right track. I also wrote a rough draft of the article for the website and Thomas is impressed with it so far, and with my level of French/writing. That just put me on cloud 9! I'm still pretty nervous about the interview because McInerney is such a well-known writer! It'll take place in a cafe. I wonder what the codes are, can I order food? A drink? I'll ask Thomas tomorrow what the protocol is. I think the majority of the rest of the interviews will be in French since I will be reading books that were originally printed in French. It's a lot of work, not just during the regular hours of the internship during the day (Monday-Thursday from 10-12ish now, later after my phonetics class ends in a couple weeks), but also at night and when I'm on my own. I'll be constantly reading. But the good thing I get to choose the genres and exact titles that interest me. If they haven't already been reviewed, I can read and review them and then Thomas gets in touch with his editors to see if the author is available for an interview. I'll let you know how it goes! I like that I have an important role in my internship and get to do very hands-on things. If my articles make it onto the website, I'll give you guys the link! Be armed with your own dictionaries to understand it :) One last thing: I also get invitations to book/DVD release parties for the press with the author. I'm going to one Monday night and I get to bring a friend. I'm quite excited about it!

More about today in general:

Thomas was in Strausborg, in northern France today, so since he wasn't in the office, I didn't have to come in either. I decided to do the work I would normally do at IFE in my room. I like being able to get stuff done in a very convenient place. I did my usual 2 hours of work, but inevitably I end up doing at least one more hour total during the day or night. I worked 9-11 instead of 10-12 so I could leave early to get pasta for lunch before class---mmm! And I met a very nice girl in another class who is very into writing and poetry and she and I are going to go to a cafe next weekend that has regular open mic poetry nights on Saturdays! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! I was in heaven when she told me! This is exactly what I've been looking for. It's mostly in English, and the poets are of all levels of talent, so I think I might read there eventually. Oof, I am just elated about it :)

And tonight we had our Wednesday night class with Isabelle. Boy, do I love that class. We mostly shared our internship experiences thus far with her and the class as a whole, and we had some time to talk about some phonetics-related things. She is just so nice and fun to be around, it's like being taught by a friend, not a professor. It's a great way to top off a Wednesday. After, the girls got dinner together and it was nice :) Since we're all so busy lately and a bit burnt out, it's so nice to be able to have some time together to catch up. What a great group.

I am obsessed with the new Company of Thieves album, and listen to it an unhealthy amount. Do yourself a favor and buy it. My classes were not bad today and I approached today with a positive attitude, and it really makes a difference. It's easy to let little things get in the way, like yesterday I had a bad class and was feeling pretty bummed about it. But I have to put everything in perspective, and I really noticed that my day will turn out well or not depending entirely on how I approach it. If I believe it'll be a great day, like I did today, then it will be. It's kind of liberating. I have a great weekend coming up with a trip to the Loire River Valley with Emily and Michelle (and a big group) to see the chateaux which I am dying to see. Interview Friday. And tomorrow I'm going to hear an author talk about his recently published book.

In review: Internship is busy but great. Classes are going well. Quinn is coming in 3 weeks (!!) I'm feeling really great. :)

Gros bisous!