Students reflect on their Times internships and college experience.
By Andreas Butler
Daytona Times
Shaneisha “Shay” Myrthil and Torree Mears will graduate in May 2024 from Bethune-Cookman University with degrees in mass communication. They both aspire to be journalists.
Since August, the two B-CU seniors have been working as interns at the Daytona Times, covering stories as- signed to them and often coming up with their own story ideas.
For years, B-CU and the Daytona Times have partnered on an internship program for the university’s mass communication majors.
“I’ve always had an interest in reading and writing. That is why I chose my major. I want to be either a journalist or a photojournalist, maybe both. I just need some training on how to use my camera,” said Myrthil, 22, from West Palm Beach.
Mears, 21, who is from Augusta, Georgia, has her sights set on being a professional sports writer.
“My whole life I enjoyed sports, especially football, so I asked myself when I was younger how can I be involved with sports without playing sports. My mother mentioned sports announcing, and that’s why I went into mass communication. I want to be a sports reporter,’’ said Mears.
Both say they have enjoyed their Times internship, which ends in December. They are learning and getting real-time experience in the field.
“It’s a wonderful experience. I have learned a lot about writing and reporting as well as becoming a better sports reporter. I am learning what I need to have in my stories and getting feed-back about where the right information needs to be,” responded Mears.
Myrthil, who is from West Palm Beach, stated, “I love it. I have learned a lot from Ms. Griffin. I learned a lot about how a story is constructed and how it goes out. I also know more about what I want to do.”
Jenise Griffin, publisher and editor of the Daytona Times and its sister newspaper, the Florida Courier, lauded the interns for their diligence and hard work.
“I am so proud of Shay and Torree,’’ Griffin said. “They came in as interns and went right to work. They both are talented young women who are eager to learn and have good work ethic. Professor Valerie Whitney at B-CU has sent us some good interns over the years, and we’re delighted to help students gain the skills, tools and confidence for careers in journalism.
Whitney also sees something special in her students.
“I am proud of both young ladies. Journalism isn’t for the faint of heart, especially today. I think they both have bright futures and I look forward to seeing their bylines,’’ she said.
‘Having fun and learning a lot’ at B-CU
Mears and Myrthil say they also have enjoyed their B-CU experience.
“I’m loving it. When I first got here, there was culture shock. Growing up, I always attended white schools. I was always the only Black girl in a lot of classes and activities. At B-CU, I am around more people that look like me, including the instructors. It’s easier to ask questions and get involved,” Myrthil said.
One of Myrthil’s early stories for the Times was on National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 19. About 100 students signed up during a voter registration event held on campus. The story was her idea.
She shared, “I am having fun and learning a lot. Mass communication is hands-on. I am shy, but I was forced to break out my shell. Being hands-on, putting together a newscast and newsfeeds helped me break out my shell and learn more.”
Mears echoed, “My experience at B-CU is great. I’ve grown up and became an adult. I’ve learned how to overcome challenges. Everybody in the mass comm department is very helpful, but Dr. [Christopher] Shaw and Dr. Whitney are the people I would like to thank personally because they have taught me the most. Just with their knowledge and bringing the best out of the students they come across.”
Mears’ time at B-CU has had a family support system during her time at the university. Her grandfather, Tommy Roland, is the commissioner of the Daytona Beach Buccaneers Pop Warner Youth Foot- ball and Cheer Program.
Her uncle, Travis Roland, is the football coach at Mainland High School.
This football season, Mears covered the Mainland football games for the Times.
She admitted, “It did ease my time at Cookman. Just having that support system was very helpful. There were times that I wanted to give up, but they pushed me to stay the course.”
Motivated to excel
Both young women have extra motivation for academic and life success. Mears is a graduate of the Academy of Richmond County, a high school in Augusta. The loss of an aunt also pushes her.
“My Aunt Sherry passed away in 2020. She is always watching over me and wants me to follow my dreams. I still want to make her proud. She wanted to see me graduate. My parents are also supportive and inspirational,” noted Mears, who said she has one older brother.
Myrthil, from West Palm Beach, is the oldest of four daughters, a first-generation college student, and a graduate of Park Vista Community High School in Lake Worth.
She said, “There is extra pressure. I am the oldest. I feel my parents expect me to do more and set an example for my sisters. My mother told me to do better than her. The sky is the limit. I always feel I had to be the best.”
Myrthil also is of Haitian de- scent and has lived in Canada.
“I think Haitians are treated differently by the rest of the world. Here, they treat everyone as African Americans regardless of where you are from, if you are Black. However, Black people around the world have different cultures. For instance, my Thanksgiving meal was different from the one I had with my African American boyfriend and his family,” Myrthil explained.
“Canada was another culture shock. It is a melting pot with different cultures from all around the world. You get to learn a lot about other cultures; it shaped me into who I am.”
In her free time, Myrthil enjoys walking, running and photography.
Mears enjoys spending time with family, watching sports (mainly football) and playing video games.
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