There is nothing I like to read better than a story with a happy ending.
Especially when the happy ending combines a student pursuing a career in equine publishing and an AHP member.
Recently, Sean Clancy wrote a post on his blog, Cup of Coffee that demonstrates the power of mentoring. Like many AHP members, Sean and his brother, Joe, who publish The Saratoga Special and thisishorseracing.com, maintain an online internship listing on the AHP website.
The AHP Student Internship Program is designed specifically for college students who have an interest in horses and seek a career in equine publishing. This program offers opportunities for students to work at equine publications and businesses throughout the country and the opportunity for AHP members to utilize the talents of students with an interest in equine publishing.
In May, Sean received an application for an internship from Annise Montplaisir, a junior at North Dakota State University. Annise’s goal is to acquire a career in the horse racing industry as a freelance journalist and blogger in addition to working as a bloodstock agent and/or public relations professional. She’s from Fargo, N.D. Annise is also a current AHP student member, applied for the 2015 Student Award, and entered the awards contest last year. She represents the talented young people who have discovered AHP and never let go of their dream to work in this industry.
“Fargo,” as Annise came to be known during her internship in Saratoga, gave the Clancy boys a reason to be proud to nurture the next generation of journalists and publishers in the horse industry.
In his post, Sean wrote, “Over the years, I have mastered my answer when thanked for being a good mentor. I don’t mentor everybody, only the ones who deserve it.”
“Annise was great and we are VERY happy she found us through the AHP listing, which is how it happened,” says Joe. “For a 19-year-old kid, she was mature, polished, professional, energetic and everything else. And we learned a lot about the Midwest and a little about Quarter Horses.”
Annise worked as online communications and publications intern for AQHA from January to May 2015. She became an AHP Student Travel Award Winner in 2017.
The publishing business is no picnic. It’s not for divas or wimps. You have to be passionate about horses and dedicated to learning what it takes to make a career in this industry.
And careers have been made thanks to the power of mentoring by AHP and its members through its internship program, Student Award Contest, and student membership.
And, if there is power in paying it forward, think of the power in paying it back.
I couldn’t have been more proud to see our 1998 Student Award Winner, Stephanie Church, become the 2014-2015 AHP President. We have two other former student members serving as directors on the AHP board this year, Katie Navarra, and Jennifer Denison, the 1994 AHP Student Award Winner.
There are numerous former AHP students working at publications, businesses, and as freelancers today who remain actively involved in the association.
It is our responsibility to insure the safekeeping of the industry we love for future generations. We need to encourage and educate talented young people to seek their dreams and create the world of modern publishing.
Part of the success goes to the students with the dream and passion for horses and journalism; the other important ingredient is the mentors like the Clancy brothers and other AHP members who love nurturing a talented student and providing them with the work experience.
If you currently have an internship program or would like to start one, thanks for helping to power up the association and equine publishing.
Now nearly 44 years later, I still remember the mentors in my early career as a newbie editor. I am proud to have witnessed the power of mentoring through the success stories within our membership. It’s a win-win situation at its best.
For more information on the AHP Student Internship Program visit http://www.americanhorsepubs.org/internship-program/
To request a Membership Internship Listing form, contact Judy Lincoln at ahorsepubs2@aol.com.
