Not to mention, SEO (Search Engine Optimization). It plays a crucial role. Luckily we were also taught that lesson. A good article is pointless if no one can find and read it.
Our writing process had to go through multiple rounds of reviews. Even the smallest mistake couldn’t slip through. This reflected the care and pride we took in our work. Writing had to be done with passion, not just as an obligation for work.
Gradually, I realized that the feedback I received was invaluable. Without them, I might have fallen into a cycle of mediocrity. I learned a lot from the critiques, and over time, I made fewer and fewer of the same mistakes.
To be honest, when I read my article at the start of my internship, I couldn't help but smile. No wonder my articles were completely revised. The growth I’ve experienced over the past five months is undeniable.
The guidance from my mentor, Mas Salman Muhiddin, was incredibly helpful. As an editor, he not only criticized our work but also created a comfortable and enjoyable working environment.
Mas Salman often dissected our articles to show us exactly where we went wrong. His feedback was firm but always delivered with humor, which eased the tension and made the learning process more enjoyable.
Meanwhile, my other editor, Miss Retna Christa, is more like a stern coach that everybody is scared of. She didn't talk much with us. But every word from her was savage.
I could say that she gave us a tough love. She pointed out our mistakes but didn't give directions on how to fix them. But that was how she encouraged us to find out about them ourselves. Of course, she loved to tease me about my Manchester United.
I also got to know Mas Agustinus Fransisco, my senior at Harian Disway. Mas Sisco frequently accompanied me on working assignments or reporting big events. Beyond work, he was someone I could confide in about university tasks and problems.
We often gathered at the backyard of Harian Disway office, an open space where interns shared stories and exchanged ideas.
Interning at Harian Disway gave me the chance to participate in major events. Like the Anugerah Patriot Jawi Wetan II 2024. This annual award ceremony recognizes outstanding local government officials from villages across East Java.
Our internship wasn’t just about writing, it also involved interacting with important figures like regents and regional officials. An experience hard to come by through campus events or student organizations.
Photo of the writer with fellow Harian Disway intern participants when we were on the APJW II committee--
The internship was highly flexible too. Sometimes, I asked to write articles outside of sports and football to broaden my experience. And thankfully, that never becomes an issue.
I once wrote about the Kanjuruhan Tragedy commemoration and reported a collaboration event between Sidoarjo UMKM and Hotel Aston, attended by the Regent of Sidoarjo, Mr. Subandi. It was a proud moment to interview him, even if just briefly.
I was also actively involved in press conferences and training sessions of Persebaya Surabaya. During these events, I interviewed their head coach, Paul Munster, and team captain, Bruno Moreira, in English.