Ray talks finding stories in everyday moments, smallest details during Item internship

My experience as an intern at The Sumter Item has been a truly meaningful learning experience, one that showed me how much goes on in our community that many people never notice.

Before I started, I was nervous. I wondered what I would actually do and how I could contribute to a professional newsroom. But as I settled in, I quickly realized that even the smallest story can make a big impact. Whether it's highlighting someone's achievements, sharing a community event or simply capturing a moment through a photograph, every story has the power to inform and connect people.

One of the things I enjoyed most was going out into the field. Being present at events and talking to people helped me understand how stories come to life. I learned that just showing up, observing, listening and asking questions can uncover powerful stories about people's lives, backgrounds and experiences. It made me appreciate how storytelling can give a voice to individuals who might otherwise go unnoticed.

Working in the office was just as valuable. Every day, I was welcomed by a team that brought positive energy and encouragement. From simple greetings to meaningful conversations, the environment showed me that journalism is not just about reporting news, but it's also about building relationships and staying connected to the community.

This internship helped me grow both personally and professionally. It taught me to step outside of my comfort zone, pay attention to the world around me and recognize the importance of even the smallest details. Most importantly, it showed me that every story matters.

I truly loved my time at The Item, and I would 100% do it again as a student at USC Sumter.

This experience has inspired me to continue pursuing storytelling and to keep finding the stories that deserve to be told.