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PAST ISSUES

By: Arikka Knights
Exchange Staff 

This week, I interviewed Brittany Bonesteel. Brittany is a student who is heavily involved on the Franklin Pierce Campus and has taken an active role as a journalism student. She discussed how many beneficial experiences at Franklin Pierce have helped to prepare her for the 'real world.' 

Q: How did you choose Franklin Pierce?

A: When I visited the campus it just clicked. I use this as an example when I give tours for admissions… It just felt right. I also looked at Michigan State, Syracuse University, and a few others, but when I came to Franklin Pierce I felt like it was going to fit my personality. I also choose Franklin Pierce because it had a really good TV studio and advanced equipment.  

Q: What exactly is your major?

A: I am a Mass Comm. Major with a self-designed concentration in Broadcast Journalism, but I also have a second major in American History.

Q: Why did you choose this major?

A: I knew I wanted to be on TV since high school. My high school had a TV station, and I did two internships in high school, so I was able to get experience right then and there. I choose reporting because I enjoy being in front of large crowds and being in the public unlike a majority of people. As the comedian Seinfeld jokes, many people at a funeral would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.

Q: With graduation only three months away, how are you feeling?

A: I am intimidated. I can't believe how fast it has gone! But I am ready to leave this environment and move on to something bigger. I think I've gotten all I can from Franklin Pierce. But there's no more safety net. It's a whole new ocean, and all new responsibilities, but I am ready for the challenge.

Q: What are your plans for post graduation?

A: Hopefully, I will wind up at a TV station doing basic reporting. Maybe eventually, I will work my way up to an anchor position. It would be awesome to someday have my own show, like a Larry King Live or 60 minutes type of thing. But, my dream is to do something like Jeff Corwin's show. I love animals! But that's a dream… 

Q: Do you think your experience at Franklin Pierce has prepared you for the real world? 

A: FP has given me the tools I need to step into any position, utilize my talents, and to fulfill an employer's expectations and yet still learn and grow. Franklin Pierce is an institution that allows students to be independent. If you leave at the end of your four years not feeling prepared, its no ones fault but own.  

Q: What are some of the most beneficial experiences you have had here at Franklin Pierce?

A: I worked for NASCAR and ESPN at the Loudon Raceway for a day. I was an operations assistant, where I got to design graphics, run the prompter, and drive around in a golf cart transporting their anchors. I did an internship for CBS in Washington DC, and participated in critique workshops with Ann Compton. I also had a chance to report on the New Hampshire primaries in Manchester. 

Q Do you have any one accomplishment from your four years here that you are most proud of? 

A: My internship… and just stepping into real world while in college and earning the respect of professionals. As an intern they allowed me to do reporting, and get in the driver's seat. I completed several projects for them. Because of that they have offered me a position if there are any open when I graduate.

Q: How have you become an active member of this campus? 

A: Besides being heavily involved with the PMG (Pierce Media Group) – I have been touring for four years with admissions. This year I've actually been promoted to the role of counselor, I get to interview potential students, which is exciting because I get to see next step. I am also currently a part of SIFE, I was an RA for one and a half years in the freshmen living area, I used to coordinate the Headstart program in community service, and I have also been a part of both the men's and women's rowing program all four years, coxswain for the men's team and rower for the women's team.

Q: Wow, that makes for a crazy schedule! How do you stay sane?!?!?

A: If I lost my planner my life would be a mess! I write everything down. I prioritize, if I commit to something I make sure that I don't commit to something else. And I have to just be honest when it gets to be too much, that's why I gave up coordinating for community service, it was too much for my schedule.

Q: Do you have any regrets or anything that you would change about your experience here at Pierce?

A: I thought I would have liked to do a study abroad program one semester. But, it's not really a regret. As much as I would have liked to have done it, I had so much going it would have been hard to take off a semester.

Q: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

A: Underclassmen, don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Ask questions and put your ideas out there. What's the worst someone can say… no? Weigh the opportunity with the risk. What you put in, you will get back 110%.

Q: Anything else you would like to add? 

A: If I had spent my four years anywhere else, I wouldn't have been half as happy, half as successful, or feel as confident as I am now. I am really going to miss the people at this institution.