Congrats, I am very happy for you!!!! :) :D :cool: :) :D :cool:

So what will you being doing at CNN??

Congrats!!!

Here's the Scoop/Thanks!
 

First I want to thank all the people who have wished me well. It sounds kind of dumb, but it really means a lot. Thanks so much!

Secondly, Silver&Bordeaux: I never answered your question about which spa I went to--It was Jolie Day Spa (in Buckhead).

Finally, here's the latest. I go in tomorrow to get my badge, fill out paperwork, etc. All this week I will be learning the CNN system and style of programming. I will be working at CNN Interactive. I am really nervous, but excited beyond belief. I will get to work in the newsroom and help deliver news and information to CNN's worldwide audience. :) It is really the realization of a dream--to get to work for CNN. I was a journalism/english major and I always saw CNN as the pinnacle--I never imagined it would all come so soon in my career.

Anyway, I will keep you all up to date. Again, thanks for the positive wishes and supportive thoughts. I appreciate you all so much!

Jen

Jen. we can't wait to hear about the first day (even if it is just getting your badge, etc).

I am so excited for you!!!!

aoe,

Laura

First Day...
 

I got back about an hour ago from my first day at CNN. I didn't get my badge or do my paperwork today as I had been told I would. The HR office was closed for some reason, so I spent most of the day sitting in the newsroom, watching the interaction between the editorial and web staff. I learned a lot today!

I actually got to see Dr. David Satcher, the US Surgeon General. He was at CNN Center for "Talk Back Live" (a daily interactive townhall meeting hosted by Bobbie Batista). He came back into the newsroom after the taping for a one-on-one interview. It was neat to get to watch it all take place.

I can't describe how cool it is to work in the newsroom. It is a beehive of activity. On each desk there is a computer and a 13" television (usually turned to CNN--natch!). There is an awesome breakroom (that sounds silly, I know), but it looks like a set for a television series. It has this nifty little bar, where people sit and eat. There is a fridge, tons of vending machines, full kitchen, espresso maker (!). It seriously looks like the set of "Friends" or something.

The people I met today were nice. Many of them are little on the intense side, but with everything going on (and news breaking all the time), I understand.

Tomorrow, I will get my badge, fill out paperwork, and get the whole Turner System HR lecture. I can get a free commuter rail (MARTA) pass, so I am looking forward to that (parking at CNN Center is heck!).

That's about it. I was very nervous when I got there today. I had a lot of the typical self doubt--can I do this? am I really qualified? But talking to one of my co-workers assuaged these fears. I feel much better now. :)

Again, thanks for caring. I will continue to report on my experiences at CNN. If you have any questions just post 'em here! "Talk" to you all soon!

Jen

Still loving it!
 

Jen

Yeah Jen! Let us know about all the exciting things going on there at CNN Center! I am the biggest CNN fan. Headline News is the only reason I have cable and cnn.com is my homepage. Yes, I know I am a geek, but does that really surprise anyone? LOL.

aoe,

Laura

First Week Wrap Up...
 

Laura: I know what you mean! I was such a CNN freak--that I really thought I bombed out on the interview by being so enthusiastic and excited just to be there!

Everyday I walk by the "Talk Back Live" set, sometimes during taping. It is SO cool.

BTW, who is your favorite CNN personality? I really love Christiane Amanpour (the Chief International News Correspondent)--she is so amazing and brave. I also really like Bill Hemmer and Joie Chen ("Newsite")

Anyway, I just finished my first week. It was a good one. I got my badge (!!!) :) and filled out all the paperwork, etc. After the second day I was basically on my own. Wow! It is so much fun. I watch CNN all day long, which I absolutely love and have met some of the most amazing people.

It's fantastic. :)

Jen

Bravo!!!
 

A marvelous start to a potentially amazing career....
i keep cnn on in my classroom without sound 24/7...it is that good.
cheers
mmcat
:D :p

Jen,

Wow. Congratulations on reaching your dream. I wish you the best of luck at CNN :) I love watching that channel. I'd say that Natalie Allen is my fav.

Kevin

bravo....
 

a perfect time, a perfect place, and a perfect girl.
we are all proud of you.
cnn is not just playing the palace...
it is, for some, the palace.
congrats
mmcat
:p :D ;) :) :cool:

I want to say "thanks" again to those who have kindly expessed their support. It means a lot. :)

Jen

It's not just support, it's jealousy! You are my idol!

Hope you're loving every moment of it!

aoe,

Laura

Here's a pic I took the day of my interview. When things slow down, I'll take some pix of the newsroom and the "Jetsons"-style breakroom. :)

Pic Taken Outside CNN

I spent last night doing interactives for the Emmys for CNN.com . It was FUN! More later.

AOE,
Jen

Yeah Jen! Keep on posting. I love to hear about your job!

Laura