OFFLINE Bridget Fitzgerald

Sweet Home Chicago

Now that I am back in Chicago for a longer period of time than the turn-over rate I had between Rome and New York I am able to spend time with my family, friends and at our lake house in Michigan.

The second part of my summer has set in. I have received reconstructive ligament surgery and although recovery will be long and hard, I will hopefully be healthy enough by Thanksgiving and begin to run again.

I am completing all the necessary final course work to acquire credit for my time at NBC TODAY. Some may complain about a task such as writing papers and continue seemingly tedious work. Yet I not only enjoy writing but I appreciate the opportunity to reflect on what a wonderful experience I had in New York. Also the Tim Russert Department of Communications and Theater Arts has been very helpful working with me and my ankle surgery to finish the appropriate paperwork.

I am missing Rome very much. I have gone from traveling the world, living the fast paced life in NYC and now in a cast on crutches. I can not say it has been easy but I have been entertaining my time with Angles & Demons by Dan Brown, Audition: The Barbara Walters Memoir and the Travel Channel. 

Once I am feeling better from surgery I am planning to see the new wing of the Chicago Art Institute, going on an architectural boat tour to take a closer look at the completed Trump Tower and enjoy Chicago's summer (or what's left of it). 

I begin tour guide training the week of August 24th and can't believe I will be returning to the John Carroll campus since December.

I am thrilled to be living in a house on Warrensville Center Road with two great girls and beginning my senior year!

A New York State Of Mind

Dear Readers-

I arrived in New York Wednesday May 13th and it has been a whirlwind ever since. I am the Weekend TODAY intern and have been loving my time here. My technical hours are Wednesday to Friday 10am to 6pm and I work the show on the weekend. Yet if anyone has experienced news they will understand that the notion of 'hours' does not exist. But I enjoy work, and I enjoy my co workers so the long hard hours are not unbearable at all.

A nice incentive is that NBC sends a car to pick me up for the weekend shows at 5:30am. I have been presented with many different opportunities as an intern: everything from going on shoots to managing guests. But if you are like me, the passing by of the American Idol stars, Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Swift, and Dave Matthew's Band did not excite me the way when I walked past Ann Curry, Brian Williams and David Gregory. Working at 30 Rock is exciting and thrilling. You never know who is around the corner, or in your elevator (Will Forte from SNL). 

I can not complete this blog without mentioning the one-year anniversary of the passing away of our Tim Russert. I was hands on with the producer whom the two of us developed a segment of remembrance. Still today he motivates me to never give up no matter how tempted I may be. I still keep very close touch with another JCU alumnus Mary Ann Ahern a reporter NBC 5 who I interned with last summer. I look up to her and Tim for the impact they have made in my life and as JCU graduates.

New York is a fast-paced city and I am in a fast-paced industry. I would not have it any other way and am having a fantastic time! 

More stories to come when I arrive back to Chicago to finally get my ankle fixed!

Back in the U.S.A.

Hello Readers!-

The day after my last post the earthquake in Italy hit! Our school and students were safe and sound and I was presented with the opportunity to write about it for the Carroll News aboard. 

I went to Ireland for Easter which was wonderful. My three very close friends and I went to Dublin, Gal way and Dulky. Irish people are just as friendly and welcoming as you would presume! 

I spent the rest of my time in Rome. Sadly our days were numbered. But our last calcio game, End of the Year Banquet and the last days/nights out were unforgettable. It is so sad to leave all the new friends I have made and such an adventurous lifestyle but I could not imagine my life without it. I am changed for the better and am thankful for this past semester every day.

I will be spending a few days at home in Chicago and then I am off to New York for my internship with NBC's TODAY show. I am sub-letting for the summer a place in East Village. Very exciting!

On the JCU front: The school of Communications and Theater Arts has been renamed in Tim Russert's honor. He is my role model and to see such deserved recognition is comforting. I wish I could have had the opportunity to meet him, but having him as my inspiration is priceless. My next goal is the Tim Russert Fellowship in DC after graduation. Now that I am a senior and all!

Enjoy summer and I will post when I am in NYC....