Hello, my name is “Intern 5.”  At least that’s what it says on my media credentials.  Ah, the benefits of being an intern.  Over the past few weeks at WPXI, I’ve realized how much this badge—a simple plastic card with some magnetic thingy that allows me to get through the parking gate and the side door at the station—has transformed me from a normal person to a “VIP.”  Note how I didn’t say “celebrity.”  I’m definitely not there yet, nor have aspirations to become one.  To many, I’m known as “Stefan Aleo,” but when I travel to events and wear my credentials to take photos, I am known as “Intern 5.”

So, here are some highlights of my time here from Stefan Aleo, AKA “Intern 5.”

My first night interning, I quickly learned how special you become when you mention your media affiliation at the front door/gate/ticket booth.  That night, it was at Whim Nightclub at Station Square for “Glitzburgh,” a fashion show and fundraiser event featuring local celebrities.  The event staff warmly greeted Gretchen and me, thanking us for covering the event.

The people at Whim could not have been more helpful.  When it came time to enter the main area where the runway was, one person showed us where to stand to get the best photos of the event.  He told us something to the effect of, “Don’t worry if people are in your way, they’ll move for you because you’re famous!”  That was the first time I heard the words “you” and “famous” in the same sentence, and I thought, I can get used to this.

It was pretty much the same at PNC Park, where I covered “Pup Night” and engaged in short conversations about people’s dogs.  My experience was repeated at Misty Pines Dog Park, where proud owners, trainers and animal shelter workers shared with us information about their dogs at the Helping Hounds Carnival.  It’s wonderful talking and learning about others’ lives for a brief moment and learning something new everyday.  (Sorry for the cliché, I couldn’t think of a better phrase).

Finally, my highlight of my experience so far was the opportunity to shake hands with performer Gavin DeGraw because the last time I met a celebrity was never.  I’ll admit I didn’t know any of his songs prior to that night, so I felt a little guilty that I got to meet someone I didn’t know much about.  Gavin was exceptionally sweet and patiently answered interview questions for See And Be Seen, even though his time was limited.  Had I mustered up the courage to ask him for a picture with me, you would have been looking at his photo with me on this page, but since I didn’t, you will see an image of the magnificent sunset at Stage AE during the concert.  No this image isn’t “instagrammed.”  I don’t believe in putting pre-determined filters on images, but that is another story. 

Getting right up to the stage to take photos of Gavin for the website was another thrilling experience because once again, the last time I had front row tickets at a show was never.  Despite my inner audio system nearly getting blown out by screaming girls in my left channel (ear) and the earthquake-like rumbles coming from the speaker in my right channel (ear), it was something I will not forget for a long time.  In fact, I got so into getting the right photos for the website, I couldn’t believe it when I was approached by security to leave because my three song limit of taking photos was up.

So this concludes episode one of “The Intern 5 Chronicles.”  Rather than write a recap of everything I did every week for my blog, I’ll alternate between stories about Pittsburgh and my internship experience.  So until next time, I’m Stefan Aleo, signing off until next week’s edition of my weekly blog.