The Way Out Media Network - My Internship Experience

Dear TWOMN,  Take this as my love letter. 

My time at The Way Out Media has been one of the most stretching and rewarding experiences in my journey as a Journalist. What I thought would simply be an opportunity to gain experience turned into something much deeper, it turned into a space that challenged me (literally), refined me, and pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of.

There were moments where I genuinely felt discouraged. Times when I didn’t feel like writing, when I questioned my ability, and when showing up felt like I was carrying a ton of bricks. But through all of that, Ella remained patient, understanding, and incredibly supportive. She pushed me, but with so much grace. For that, I’m truly and eternally grateful.

I realized after joining that I’m the only South African, and that scared me at first, and it could have easily felt isolating, but it never did. The community made a conscious effort to ensure I felt seen and comfortable. Ella specifically constantly reminded me that I could adapt topics to reflect South African contexts or even merge both Nigeria and South Africa in my writing. That level of consideration stood out to me. It showed that The Way Out Media doesn’t just teach, it values its people, regardless of where they come from.

This experience also pushed me far beyond my usual niche. As a fashion journalist, I’m used to writing within a certain space, but here I was challenged to explore completely different areas. For the first time, I wrote a feature on religion, funny how this was something I had never imagined myself covering. I also wrote on politics, a subject I had always avoided and honestly feared. Yet, through this process, I realized I am capable of more than I limit myself to.

Beyond writing, I was also exposed to digital content creation, including creating carousels, which added another layer to how I communicate stories. This experience proved to me that It wasn’t just about writing; it also was about storytelling across formats.

My published work includes:

• https://twomn.net/fashion-designer-and-media-giant-dies-at-50

• https://twomn.net/intervention-in-nigerias-insecurity-security-necessity-political-spin-or-something-more (Here I collaborated with an incredible writer, Jeremie)

• https://twomn.net/xenophobia-and-the-nigerian-question-looking-beyond-the-headlines-43 

• https://twomn.net/the-advent-of-social-media-at-religious-functions-true-worship-or-religious-pretense

• https://twomn.net/thou-cant-filter-heritage-scars-to-seams

• https://twomn.net/stadium-to-runway-how-the-world-cup-became-fashions-most-unexpected-stage
• https://twomn.net/the-nollywood-crossover-how-mama-g-became-the-ultimate-hype-matriarch
• https://twomn.net/the-ancestral-plate-forgotten-healthy-food-combinations-in-nigeria-south-africa
• https://twomn.net/saint-or-sinner-how-winnie-was-swallowed
• https://twomn.net/y2k-fashion-spiral-a-look-back-at-the-trends
• https://twomn.net/bail-for-the-badge-bars-for-the-boss-who-is-cat-matlala-and-why-this-tender-case-is-raising-eyebrows 

Apart from articles, the internship also demanded some creativity which includes creating carousels and conducting interviews:

Carousels

Interview

Japa or Stay? Are young Nigerians leaving too fast or is japa the only smart move?

Looking back, this experience taught me more than just writing. It taught me discipline, resilience, and confidence. It reminded me that growth is uncomfortable but necessary.

The Way Out Media Network created a space where I could stretch, fail, learn, and still be supported through it all. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.