HSF Notre Dame Internship Testimonials

I am so grateful to have recieved the Hannah Storm Journalism internship for this year. As an English major with a concentration in Creative Writing, I have always enjoyed writing but had never had the opportunity to explore the exciting world of journalism. I've recieved great guidance and support that has helped me to grow as a writer and communicator. Further, the people I have met conducting interviews and writing pieces have been fascinating. I've enjoyed every minute of the internship so far and cannot wait to see what the next few months bring!

-Scott Frano ’13

Being the Hannah Storm Journalism Intern has been an amazing experience for me. I started off as a summer intern for the Alumni Association this past summer and I was honored to be given the internship for the academic year. I have been able to see just how strong and special the Notre Dame community is. There seems to be a special energy on campus, especially with an incredible football season, and I’ve been blessed to be a small part of it. My favorite part of the internship so far has been going to the bookstore to buy an ornament for my parents and finding the insert I wrote this summer as part of this year’s collectible ornament. It was amazing to realize how many people would buy the ornament and see what I wrote. I’ve had a memorable senior year so far as the Hannah Storm Journalism Intern, and I look forward to what the second semester has in store (hopefully a national title).

-Rachel Hamilton ’12

Being the Hannah Storm Journalism Intern is a true privilege, offering me a unique opportunity to practice my writing and cover alumni affairs while still a student. Every assignment is a chance to learn more about the University of Notre Dame and to communicate what I've learned to a vast audience. Not only am I becoming a better writer and communicator, but I'm having fun doing it. I'm grateful for the chance to work so closely with the Notre Dame Alumni Association through this wonderful internship.

-Tess Civantos, 2010-11

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

Working as the Hannah Storm journalism intern in the Notre Dame Alumni Association was a very fulfilling and rewarding experience. I enjoyed working in one of the finest alumni associations in the country and I am grateful for the opportunity to have covered some incredible stories about the accomplishments of Notre Dame’s faculty, students and alumni. I improved my writing and communication skills and spent valuable time working in an office setting. As I move forward through my senior year and with my post-graduation plans, I believe that the networking and journalism knowledge that I gained as the Hannah Storm intern will be helpful for years to come I am thankful that Ms. Storm has funded this program at Notre Dame, and I would encourage any student interested in journalism to apply in the coming years.

-Josh Flynt