Checking back in with Grice Connects Summer Intern, Ja'Kori Cope

Hey there, It’s me, Kori, back with another report of how my week has been. 

I would say as the weeks progress I tend to do more and more interesting things along the way.

Highlight of the Week

This past weekend, Doug Lambert offered to take me up (flew me in a plane). I truly didn’t know it was going to happen. 

I was like every other teen sleeping in on a Sunday morning when I got a call from Mr. DeWayne. I can admit I did miss every single call attempt that was to my phone, but he didn’t give up, he further reached my grandmother and she got a hold of me. 

Overall I’m very appreciative of the opportunity I was granted and will be something I remember for the rest of my life. 

That wasn’t the only thing I took part in though, while at the airport I was able to meet some of the National Guard 258 Air Traffic Control Squadron. Staff Sergeant Casey Moorman allowed me and others (Mr. Doug and Mr. DeWayne) to tour the temporary control tower they had set up for training purposes. That was a very cool experience if I could say so myself. 

Later that day I also went to Publix for the first time and met the Publix store manager, Daniel Keefer. 

Digging deep into Property Taxes

As the days progressed in the week, I found myself sitting in a tax assessor's office. All I can really say about this outing was that taxes required you to really, I mean REALLY like numbers, but that's why we have people like Robert Fisher, Chief Appraiser for Bulloch County, to deal with these sorts of things for us. 

That brain melting interview was something I never thought I could sit through, but It was really important to experience that and see how the real world is doing and witness the growth of the City of Statesboro. 

Side Quest

I also did some simple things this week. First was with another fellow Grice Connect reporter, Brandon Robinson, as he conducted interviews for his upcoming story about the Youth Connect program. I tagged along, gaining experience with conducting interviews and how to go about them. 

Many of my other duties was mainly helping around in the office of Grice Connect. Being that im one of the few that are advanced-ly updated in technology around here, I often help ALOT with our senior reported Michele Leblanc.

Am I famous Now?

As you know I never really considered myself a well known individual but it seems like that took a drastic turn, after my most recent weekly update was published.

I took a chance at experiencing my new found fame when I attended a Business After Hours that was hosted by the Bulloch Chambers of Commerce at the Franklin Toyota Dealership this past Thursday. 

Before I even got to walk in, the President of Georgia Southern, Dr. Kyle Marrero, recognized me in an instant, BY MY NAME. This took me by surprise, as I truly just discovered he was the PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA SOUTHERN as I worked on a story about him.

As I explored the function a little deeper, I was introduced to the owner of Franklin Toyota, Lehman Franklin, who is also a State Representative and a member of the Bulloch Chambers of Commerce.

I also met the Bulloch Chamber of Commerce CEO, Jennifer Davis. 

Another awesome week

Overall this week was nothing less exciting than the last, as I continued to spread my name and meet new people, like Mr. DeWayne once said, “If they remember your name that means you're important”. And so far many people have remembered me so that must mean I'm making some type of impact. Right? 

I look forward to my remaining weeks to come as I learn new life lessons and skills in addition to wonderful mentorship and business operations with Grice Connect. Coming from someone who never even knew about this wonderful business, Grice Connect, a few weeks ago, to writing stories for them and becoming somebody in my hometown. I might actually be famous before this internship ends.

It was a huge jump but I adapted and conquered making the best out of my opportunity. 

Check out some of the stories I wrote this week:

Statesboro Police Dept. launches Roadway Assistance Program

Bulloch County college students on the Dean's List

Comedians Collin Moulton & Nick Hoff at the Averitt Saturday

My first week story:

Introducing Ja'Kori Cope Grice Connect's Statesboro Youth Connect Summer Intern