Blast

My name is Sophie, I'm 20 years old, I live in Bude and I'm a journalism student at Bournemouth University. Now I am one of this year's BBC Blast reporters for Cornwall.

My first real journalistic experience was fairly tragic if I'm being completely honest, really and truly awful. Although I have no doubt that it was hilarious for anyone who may have been lucky enough to witness it.

It also doubles up as a little claim to fame, picture the scene if you will. I was on a train my way back from a conference in London accompanied by some other students and my lecturer when I spotted Stephen Uppal aka, Hollyoaks star, Ravi Roy.

Fancy dress - chocolate style!

Naturally, I got far too excited and grabbed my mate so that she could also have a little gawp as he passed us to sit down. I'd like to add that it was rush hour and the train was exceptionally busy. The events which follow remain scarred in my memory and I still blush every time I think about them.

My lecturer, overhearing our conversation, decided that it was time for a little 'after hours learning'. He turned to me and said:

"Well, what are you waiting for?"

I smirked until I realised that he was being deadly serious. Cue my absolute mortification as he dragged (literally dragged) me down the train towards where Mr Uppal was sat. He then shoved me (by which point I was so embarrassed I was almost in tears) into the seat opposite the actor and introduced himself.

"Hi, I'm a Journalism lecturer and I have a shy journalism student here who really wants to interview you."

Fear gripped my entire body, I couldn't believe what I was hearing; surely he wasn't referring to me? Of course he was. After this charming little introduction my lecturer grinned at me and scurried off back up the aisle. Poor Mr Uppal was left confronted with a panic stricken mute, pale as a ghost and wide-eyed like a rabbit caught in the headlights. Needless to say the interview didn't go too well!

Jumping for Joy!

Being given the opportunity to work alongside the BBC Cornwall team this summer, if you could excuse the cliché, is like a dream come true. Despite my previously disastrous encounters as a trainee journo, one day I do intend to become a fully fledged reporter.

This particular position appealed to me as I am fanatical about my music and love the county in which I live. I feel passionately about the extraordinarily diverse culture that Cornwall possess. Not only is it visually stunning but it is a vibrant and ever-expanding community.

I think we have some of the most epic backdrops for cultural events, such as the Eden Project and the Minack Theatre, to name just a couple. I also feel that sometimes the Duchy is slightly overlooked with regard to aspiring young talent.

I think it can be hard to follow a profession, such as a musical career whilst living in Cornwall as we just don't have the opportunities available to those who live in larger metropolitan districts.

Throughout my experience as a Blast Reporter I shall endeavour to bring some publicity to these aspects of my home county and, on a personal note, become a much more confident journalist in the process.

Next time I have to interview someone famous hopefully I’ll be able to refrain from utterly humiliating myself!