The Hannah Storm internship experience has provided me with the opportunity to challenge myself as a developing writer while expanding upon the fundamental journalistic skills that I have learned in the Gallivan Program for Journalism, Ethics & Democracy at Notre Dame.  Not only has the internship’s high demand for articles challenged me to become a faster, more instinctive writer, but the wide range of subject matter has allowed me to exercise my creative capacities.  Thus, I have begun to develop a style of writing that is distinctively my own, while simultaneously learning to appeal to a Notre Dame audience.

Another invaluable aspect of the internship has been the opportunity to ask questions of some of the most interesting and diverse people under the dome.  The subjects have ranged from a nervous first year student setting foot on campus, to Father Jenkins’ assistant, to Dr. Emil T. Hofman, the chemistry professor whose storied career has made him a legend at Notre Dame. Not only have I learned to overcome the nerves that often accompany interviewing to ask questions that make for a provocative and dynamic piece, but these experiences have also made me more appreciative of the extraordinary character that defines my fellow classmates and professors at Notre Dame.

When I graduate from Notre Dame in May, I am confident that the Hannah Storm internship will have better prepared me to face the challenges that lie ahead in both my professional and personal life.  With a strong background in writing—an enduring skill that is crucial to success in any position—I feel prepared to join the workforce even in this struggling economy. More important to me than the technical skills I have achieved from the internship, however, is the deep appreciation for this University and for the remarkable people who walk next to me on the quad, stand next to me at football games, and pray alongside me at the Grotto. It is this appreciation and pride for Notre Dame that will stay with me forever, and I am incredibly grateful to the Hannah Storm internship for providing me with a chance to do work that reminds me of these feelings everyday.

- Kerry Hutton ’09

I first wrote to Hannah Storm after I saw her talk about her birthmark on the news. I thought it was cool that we had our birthmarks in common and I thought she might like to read a copy of my story, Buddy Booby‘s Birthmark. I didn’t even think she’d write back because I‘m just a kid and she‘s a famous journalist and celebrity.

So, when she wrote back to tell me she really liked my story and believed in the message enough to help me, I was really surprised and excited. Not too many famous grown-ups would go out of their way to help a kid they never met, but Ms. Storm had faith in me and my idea. She took a chance, agreeing to be a part of my book and writing the foreword, even before she knew how it would turn out. She didn't just talk about helping -- she really supported me and the message of Buddy Booby’s Birthmark in every way she could.

When I finally met Ms. Storm in person, she was really kind and outgoing and friendly. She gave me a big hug and took the time to tell me how she’d gone through a lot of the same things I do --- like laser surgeries and having to deal with other people always saying rude things. Because she knows what it’s like to have a birthmark, she also understands how ignorant a lot of people are about birthmarks and how important it is to educate them.

Ms. Storm gave me a lot of confidence and encouragement. She really inspired and helped me to follow my dream and get my book out to the public. I think she's a great role model for kids with birthmarks because she’s open about her own mark and not ashamed of it at all. She’s confident and didn’t let her birthmark stand in the way of her becoming a TV anchor -- even though some people said she wouldn't be able to.

I’m honored that I got the chance to meet Ms. Storm and really proud that she became a part of my book project. I hope I can help her with her foundation the way she’s helped me with "Buddy".

-- Evan Ducker