Lance King/Getty ImagesSkylar Diggins is headed back into her real life, as student-athlete at Notre Dame.My time here in Bristol has flown by. It feels like just yesterday, I was in Rookie Camp, not knowing anyone and wondering what to expect. Now I see familiar faces all over as I walk through the building, thanks in part to all of the departments that I have gotten the chance to work with. I have gained so much insight into the possible career choices that news, television and entertainment have to offer. I have also gained a lot of skills I can use in my final year of college to help prepare me for a professional career in television. I now have a better appreciation for all the hard work and effort it takes to put together a show -- everything from conducting an interview and editing highlights to researching information and writing a script.
What’s next for me?
As this chapter of my life ends, another familiar one begins, as I am headed back to South Bend. Soon, I’ll be back to a daily routine of workouts, class, more workouts, and sleep; back to the life of a student-athlete. But first, I have the chance to represent my country overseas, like so many athletes are doing right now. I will be competing for my fifth gold medal with USA Basketball when I team up with Bria Hartley, Chiney Ogwumike and Alyssa Thomas in Athens, Greece, in the first-ever international 3-on-3 tournament. Watching the Olympic Games has really inspired me to work harder than ever to make sure that we bring home a gold.
Valuable experience
Interning at ESPN has been a valuable learning experience. I am so appreciative of everyone who allowed me to be a part of their work day. They were willing to share their experiences and knowledge with me. Everyone that I had an opportunity to meet, shadow or work with was very helpful in either answering my questions and/or providing me with a number of tips, suggestions and contacts that will benefit me in the future. I am absolutely looking forward to maintaining the contacts I have made while interning here in Bristol.
Growth as a person
During this experience, I have learned a lot of intangible skills that I believe will help me going forward. In these few short weeks, I have become more independent through living on my own and providing for myself. Also, I have become more mature from having to adapt to a professional work environment, while maintaining a balance between my job and life outside the office. Finally, I have become more confident in my ability to lead and make decisions, which will be even more important as I go into my senior year and continue my role as point guard for the Fighting Irish. I am hoping that my personal growth will translate into my life back at Notre Dame, both on and off the court with my team next year.
Not out for the count
Although my internship is over, I do not expect this to be my last time on the ESPN campus. I am looking forward to the opportunity of possibly coming back. If and when I do come back, hopefully it is for longer than a few weeks. I would like to thank everyone at ESPN that allowed me to work with them, took the time to answer my questions, explain their job and really show me the inner-workings of this profession. They all did it with patience, enthusiasm and a true passion for what they do. I truly appreciate everyone who took the time to help make sure that my experience here was one that was fun and enjoyable. This experience is one that I will never forget.
