CAFME is My Lifeline

My name is Brecken, and the first thing you should know about me is that I am obsessed with Ed2010. That website has led to so many great things in my life, including this wonderful group, CAFME. I first heard about CAFME at the J-school convocation the fall of my junior year. The then-president got up and gave a short speech about what it was and what they do. I also remember very clearly thinking, these are my people.

I knew immediately I was in the right place. Just like Elizabeth, I realized from all those incredibly motivated people that I was way behind in experience. I immediately joined the staff of the Daily Tar Heel and later joined the staff of Blue & White student magazine.

At the convocation I also heard mention of Ed2010, which became my go-to website. I visit it frequently, and it was Ed that led me to my internship last summer at O, The Oprah Magazine. I spent the summer in the fashion closet, which was so different from what I was expecting. We spent most of our time organizing the closet and checking in and returning samples from designers and stores. I also helped stylists prepare for photo shoots and was in charge of keeping the products and press information together for the October breast cancer story. It was more work than I could ever imagine, and I went home exhausted every night. But it was an amazing experience and I also realized then that I wanted to live in New York after graduation.

Right now I am finishing up an editorial internship at the Carolina Alumni Review here on campus that I’ve had all year. This summer I’ll be back in New York City working with a small business that simplifies communications and information for other companies. I might even get to do some marketing with social media for them. Even though I’ll be far away this summer, I promise to keep up with CAFME and what everyone is up to. Come visit me if you’re in NYC!