A journalism intern nearly quit – until a Police raid assignment changed everything, turning doubt into purpose.
By: Shavina Sri
I Almost Quit Two Days into My Internship
I remember sitting at my desk, staring at the screen, feeling like an outsider. The office buzzed with conversations, keyboards clicking away as stories unfolded in real time – but I felt frozen. Doubt gnawed at me amidst all the unfamiliarity. Was I really cut out for this?
As a Mass Communication student from Republic Polytechnic, landing an internship as a journalist at Singapore Police Force’s Police Life seemed like the perfect blend of my interests – law enforcement and writing. I imagined myself diving into fast-paced assignments and contributing to stories that mattered. But once I walked into the office, reality hit me.
While my seasoned colleagues eagerly shared tips on writing and photography, I hesitated to speak, fearing it would expose my uncertainties. As an introvert, I wondered if I could thrive in journalism.
My first article covered the Johore Shield, an annual shooting competition for units in the Singapore Police Force (SPF). The article was well-received, but I didn't feel accomplished. I hesitated during interviews, second-guessed every word I wrote and doubted my photography.
I told myself I just had to get through the 20-week internship. Nothing more, nothing less.
But then, everything changed – thanks to one unforgettable assignment.
The Night That Changed Everything
It was 1am in Joo Chiat, and the streets were eerily quiet. Together with my colleagues, I followed officers from Bedok Police Division on a multi-agency enforcement operation targeting public entertainment outlets. This time, my role wasn’t to write; it was to capture the intensity of the operation through my camera lens.
When I was assigned to cover the raid, I wasn’t sure what to expect – but I was beyond excited. This was a rare chance to witness a real Police operation up close, something I’d never experienced before.
Inside a KTV lounge, the tension was palpable. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking watching arrests unfold in real time. Officers moved with precision to secure evidence and interview suspects. I raised my camera, adrenaline kicking in. Each shot had to be quick, precise and intentional – there were no second chances.
And in that moment, everything shifted.
No class could have prepared me for this. No other internship would have given me this experience. I wasn’t just observing; I was at the heart of the action.
That night shattered my doubts. I felt the rush of storytelling in its rawest form. I was eager to see how the article would turn out. For the first time, I thought, maybe this internship isn’t so bad after all.
Finding My Place
The raid didn’t erase my doubts overnight, but it cracked something open in me. For the first time, I didn’t feel like just an intern – I felt like a journalist.
I wasn’t alone – my colleagues saw my uncertainty also. They didn’t push but made space for me, encouraging me to speak up, guiding me through shoots and offering feedback without judgment. They also invited me to lunch, checking in to make sure I was settling in.
Their quiet support made all the difference – I felt like I was part of the team. Slowly, I stopped overthinking interviews and doubting my writing. Instead of trying to prove I was good enough, I simply let myself be, accepting that growth and learning were part of the journey.
More Than Just Stories
As my confidence grew, I engaged more deeply with my assignments. Each story became more than just work; it became a purpose. I became more proactive in my assignments, connecting better with interview subjects and exploring different angles.
Covering Camp ACE, an annual programme to help youths at risk, my eyes were opened to a more human side of policing. I saw officers sharing their experiences, mentoring youths and guiding them toward the right direction in life.
Through my lens, I documented the intensity of SPF’s Use of Force training, capturing how officers apply precision, control and judgement to ensure the appropriate use of force in high-pressure situations.
Writing about Police patrols during the Chinatown Street Bazaar 2025 gave me a glimpse into how officers keep our streets safe. I also worked on stories I’d always been curious about – how Special Operations Command officers train and how ground patrols operate.
Each assignment peeled back another layer of understanding about law enforcement, revealing the people behind the uniform. The more I immersed myself, the more I realised that I wanted to be here.
Looking Back
Thinking back to the person I was on day two – the intern who almost quit and thought she wasn’t good enough – I barely recognise her now.
This internship wasn’t just about learning to write better articles or take better photos. It was about stepping into discomfort, pushing past self-doubt and finding my place. Extending my internship never crossed my mind at first, but as I grew more confident, I realised I couldn’t leave just yet.
Six months ago, I never thought I’d say this. But now?
I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.
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