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I started working here two weeks ago. I don't think I've ever worn so many collared shirts in my life. This is a real job.

I have been employed plenty before, but I've never been so involved in an occupation.

A few months ago, I completed a senior project through this newspaper. My assignment was to write a few articles. To me, getting published was a big deal. I spent countless hours writing seven or eight stories during four months. When I was finished, the Pilot & Today offered me a paid internship.

Since then, I have re-created my senior project numerous times. Instead of writing seven or so articles during a few months, I am now writing two or three a day. It's a lot of work, but I like it. I definitely don't have a problem calling complete strangers anymore, and I'm pretty proud of saying, "Hi, my name's Jake Flax and I'm with the Steamboat Pilot & Today Newspaper, how are you doing today?"

The atmosphere here is what I like the most. Not only has everyone in the building been really nice and helpful, but I can see these people act this way all of the time, not just when there's an intern around. They joke with each other, laugh and have fun. I have worked at construction sites, on roofs, and in moving vans, and never have I seen employees with such relaxed attitudes. That's not to say that everyone here is lazy; that would be entirely untrue. When there's work to be done it gets finished. What I mean to say is there seems to be very little stress and a lot of good times around here. This is one of the only jobs I have ever had that I actually look forward to.

I have learned a lot already, yet I still have a long way to go. An entire college career, actually. I know that when I get to Colorado State University in a couple of weeks, I'll be ahead of the game as far as journalism, my major, goes.

Journalism is not the only thing I have learned about, either. The working world in general has really been brought to light for me through this internship. I think that communicating with unknown people is an invaluable skill that I will need in my life.

The reason that I studied journalism, more specifically sports writing, in high school was to get a taste of what a career in that field would be like. That's also why I accepted this internship offer. So far, I am still very excited about pursuing a career in journalism. However, I am a little skeptical about finding other publications with business atmospheres such as this one. I really like it here and I would be surprised to find another newspaper or magazine that can compare.

Jake Flax is a 2006 graduate of Steamboat Springs High School. He conducted a summer internship at the Steamboat Pilot & Today through the Colorado Press Association Foundation.