Readers of The Messenger have likely recognized a new name on bylines over the past week as a new intern has joined the team in Brundidge native Carrie McLendon.

McLendon is a recent graduate of Pike County High School, who will attend Troy University next fall as she pursues a career in journalism. She got a jumpstart on her career in journalism with some assignment reporting for The Tropolitan, Troy University’s student-run newspaper, during this past school year. 

“I’ve always been interested in writing and I know some of the people in the journalism department and they encouraged me to do it,” McLendon said. “I really enjoyed it, so I just kept doing it throughout the school year and plan on continuing when I start in the fall.”

McLendon also did dual-enrollment studies at Troy during her high school career at Pike County High. She said writing for The Trop has furthered her interest in journalism. 

“I just really enjoy writing and I like trying new things and I felt like it would be really interesting for me to go out and talk to so many different people and go to different events,” McLendon said of writing for The Trop. “Just getting to know different people on campus and the different organizations and events was really fun, it makes me feel more involved with campus.”

McLendon jumped at an opportunity to intern with The Messenger this summer, as well.

“Since I started with The Trop I realized that journalism is something I really would enjoy doing,” she said. “When we were given the opportunity to look for internships, I thought this was the best place for me to get more experience and to see if it’s really what I want to do for my career.”

McLendon said she’s excited to get into her home community this summer as an intern with The Messenger.

“My goal is to get practical hands-on experience with reporting,” she said. “Getting my foot in the door with our local journalism is really what I’m looking forward to.”