by MOLLY MOSER
I spent most of January studying the faces of each Senatorial and Assembly lawmaker. I also tried to force myself to understand some of the bills, but I figured it would be better to just get the idea of it and learn along the way (which I did, and it worked). Reporting on big Nevada politics is new to me, and I’m eager to learn more.
To be honest, I hate politics. I’m easily bored by the topics and the funny thing is, I’m a journalism student! However, I wanted to accept this challenge of reporting on the Nevada Legislature so I could overcome that boredom. I’d like to say that joining the Nevada Media Alliance is the best decision I’ve made in quite a while.
How is it one of my best decisions? Well, for the obvious purposes, I gain many journalistic experiences. I have expanded my mind on local politics, and it gives me stories to tell others who don’t understand what is going on in Carson. It’s something to enjoy during a long semester.
But honestly, it gives me a lot to look forward to and excitement. I have been carefully studying the majority of the lawmakers’ profiles, so seeing them in person is like seeing someone famous. Seriously! You know almost everything about them, so you grow to like them regardless of what party they’re representing. It’s pretty amazing to shake their hands and walk by their offices. One of the best things about being a reporter, you get to stalk the hell out of interesting people. You eventually grow some kind of “fangirl” feeling for all of it. At least that’s how I feel, anyway.
I know I’m not reporting for celebrity news stations like E!, but as a reporter when you have a famous figure for a story, you’ll do anything to chase them down. It’s just true dedication that I believe this entire team is practicing on. That’s why Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi lyrics seem to blend in so well with a reporter’s life – to an extent, at least.
One of my most interesting moments was meeting some loopy protestors that have five restraining orders that the public filed against them! And what I mean by loopy is that they go to extremes by blaming the Nevada government just because a constitutional officer ran over one of the protestor’s foot (and even law enforcement said their claim was a complete over-exaggeration). Nothing to be scared of though, except let’s just hope they don’t return protesting while doing the Harlem Shake (that’s scary).
So far, the first month of reporting has been kind of quiet. We’ve been basically covering the simple stuff, which is absolutely great. I think things will start to fire up more once March and April take over and I’m looking forward to it.
Anyway, I’m incredibly proud of what my team and I do. It’s like I’m playing a Brenda Starr video game on Xbox and I beat the first level; completing the first month of reporting of the Nevada State Legislature. Huge deal. Except, these accomplishments are made in real-life.
