WRAL Post 5 is a job shadowing opportunity at WRAL TV for high school and college students who want to learn more about the news and broadcasting industry. Students are allowed to take part in the program from their Freshman year in high school, up until their Junior year in College. I was selected to become a part of Post 5 my Freshman year of high school, and was a part of the program until the end of my Junior year in college, and it was such an amazing opportunity. I learned a lot about writing news stories for live television, along with editing and directing projects for WRAL as a whole. Each month we would do “mini newscasts” where all Post 5 members were able to record and take part in producing our own live newscast, which were posted on YouTube so that over time we could analyze and review our work to both grow and reflect on throughout the years. I started off working a lot on my on-camera skills through desk work as a regular anchor and as sports anchor as well. I always enjoyed the fast pace and spontaneous environment during these newscasts and it even led me to want to learn more about the behind the scenes aspects of news and broadcasting productions. 

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During my time with Post 5, we were provided with many opportunities to attend events like the Eagle Scout Ceremony at NC State's McKimmon center, where we got to interview Eagle Scouts about their journey and Scout Projects. We also were able to work the Raleigh Christmas Parade and help run the social media accounts for anchors throughout the day. Another important and beneficial opportunity for Post 5 members was shadowing anchors, producers, writers, directors, camera crews, teleprompters, and more jobs at the station. This enabled us to learn that each individual who works within this station is so important to the team and we always highlight how connections with mentors establishes a sense of trust and expands one's knowledge, along with possible future experiences because of the opportunity to learn in a real working professional station setting. 

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Throughout my time with Post 5, I began to learn more about and find a strong passion for filming and editing videos and even directing projects with Post 5. The community within Post 5 inspired me to dream big and to always share my ideas, no matter how big or small they may seem. I also got to take on leadership roles through Post 5 and become a leader that not only could relate to the other members and their experiences, but also be a guide for them throughout their time with our organization. I was the Vice President of Post 5 my Senior year of High School and then up until my Junior year of College I was a Producer of Post 5, along with a few of my other peers. My supervisors Steve Elizondo, Chris Cormier, Ken Bland, and Shannon Campbell have supported me throughout my time with Post 5 and have let me grow as an individual, learn from challenges and always step outside of my comfort zone while leading such a large group of inspired and motivated individuals. I thank Post 5 for giving me the foundation of learning to love trying new things and always thinking with a creative and open mind. I am excited for what the future of Post 5 will look like, and I will always be there to help in any way I can for this program gives so many young individuals the opportunity to shine in ways they would have never even imagined.