This summer, graduate student Cayce Myers worked as an intern for CBS News’ London bureau. He was there during the London bombings, and he helped cover stories about Russell Square and King’s Cross where two of the first bombs were detonated. In addition to those shoots, he has gone on shoots for CBS editorials and a press conference with Tony Blair and Sir Robert Geldof about the Live 8 Concert and aid for Africa. He has also worked on CBS Weekend News and the Early Show. He graduated magna cum laude from the honors program at Emory University in three years with a double major in political science and history. His thesis on political realignment in local southern politics won high honors. He hopes to become a broadcast journalist covering foreign news after graduation.
Hometown:
Snellville, Georgia
High School:
George Walton Academy
Degree objective:
M.A. in journalism and mass communication with a telecommunications focus
Other degrees:
B.A., political science, magna cum laude, Emory University
B.A., history, magna cum laude, Emory University
Expected graduation:
May 2006
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
While at UGA, I have been a student judge in the Peabody screening committee in the news division, and I have been actively involved with Academic Honesty Student Task Force. I have served on the Task Force’s Steering Committee and have served on the panel hearing committee for the past year. I have also worked on UGA’s NewSource 15 in production of the show. While I was an undergraduate, I was an active member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, and I worked with the Urban Debate Team, which set up debate teams and tournaments for inner city Atlanta middle and high school students.
Current Employment:
I am an intern at WSB Channel 2 in Atlanta in their investigative reporting unit.
I chose to attend UGA because…
…of the campus, the people, and the journalism program. After going to school in Atlanta, I have really appreciated UGA’s small community feel and the friendliness of the students, staff, and faculty. I have found that every one of my professors have been excellent, and they really do take time to get to know the students and help them in any way they can. In addition, I came to UGA because of Grady College’s superb journalism program. The journalism school has opened my eyes to an entirely new field and has prepared me to pursue my career.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
…going to Jittery Joe’s in the SLC, reading outside on campus, and of course, the football games. In addition, I love the small classes that Grady offers. We really have great class discussions and lively debates.
When I have free time, I like…
…reading and traveling. I think seeing the world is so important, because it really makes you think differently about other people and their ways of life. Whether it’s Europe or the third world, my travels have opened my eyes to many issues that otherwise I would know nothing about. Seeing pictures of Normandy Beach, Parliament, or the Sistine Chapel do not compare with actually being there. By being there you get a greater sense of history and you actually feel a part of it. I think that by understanding what has gone on in the past we are better able to contexualize and understand current situations.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
…ride the tube in London the day after it had been bombed. After an experience like the bombing, you really feel unsettled and unsure of what to do. However, I needed to get to work and see what was going on, and so I decided I must adopt the proverbial British stiff upper lip and ride. Almost no one was on it that day, and it was eerily quiet the whole ride there.
My favorite professor is…
Janice Hume is a spectacular professor who is always accessible and helpful throughout our class. Dr. Hume also has a grasp on media history that is absolutely amazing. In addition, Leara Rhodes is absolutely one of my favorite professors because of her willingness to spark class discussions. Her classes always made me want to go and find out more about what we were learning, and I think she made me much more aware of what is actually going on in the world. Lastly, I must mention Horace Newcomb. Our conversations have always lasted for hours, often with him making me think more clearly and concisely about what I am trying to research for my thesis. I have never had a professor who was so knowledgeable, yet willing to allow me to think for myself and formulate my own ideas about my research.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
…Benjamin Franklin. As a writer, publisher, statesman, politician, scientist, and inventor he is the epitome of the Renaissance man. I admire his forward thinking for his time, and his willingness to be innovative and think outside of the box. In addition, I like the fact that this extremely accomplished man had a great sense of humor and a zest for life. Oftentimes we have the stereotype that a learned person must be dull, but Franklin shatters that misconception. I think he would be quite an interesting person to talk to, and I imagine there would never be a dull moment when you were in his company.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
…I would be a foreign correspondent. Since I started my internship, I have seen how important and difficult it is reporting foreign news. Most of the time you are in undesirable places covering stories that are very complex and tragic. As a foreign correspondent you must first report the story clearly for your audience in a straightforward and digestible way. But you must go places others don’t want to go, and see things others don’t want to see. I think that would be very hard and emotionally draining, but nonetheless, it is important work.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
I actually have two. First, I will remember interning at CBS in London. Working in another country is an experience in itself—not to mention working the London bureau for a major television network during a large-scale terrorist attack. In addition, being there allowed me to take in stories and advice from some of the very best people in the news business. I think being in such an environment on a daily basis has definitely contributed to my intellectual and journalistic growth. The second UGA experience I will always remember is being a student judge for the Peabody Awards. The experience made me a more critical viewer of television, and news in particular. Plus, attending the award ceremony in New York with celebrities and people who are at the top of their field was unlike any experience I know.