Sometimes, a Make-A-Wish^® experience is more than just a time to have fun. Colette, 17, decided that her wish would give her a look at a potential career. She asked to meet Jim Lehrer, anchor of The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.

Colette has grown up watching the long-running show with her parents.

“They don’t sensationalize the news or show their opinions,” Colette said. “I’ve always admired their impartiality.”

The Struggle Behind the Wish

Colette was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in October of 2008. Before the diagnosis, Colette could feel her stamina ebbing. She had trouble walking to her classes. Doctors discovered that a tumor had displaced her lungs and heart, and one of her lungs had collapsed.

“Once they told me the news, I wasn’t in good enough physical condition to react emotionally,” Colette said.

Though she was in the hospital for two months, schoolwork remained a priority. The hospital’s on-site, accredited academic program allowed her to work on her AP classes and tests, in addition to preparing for the SATs.

Less than one year later, Colette’s treatment was down to oral medication and a weekly blood test.

After her health improved, Colette was on her way to Washington, D.C.

Rebounding Health a Cause for Celebration

Wish granters arranged amazing experiences before her meeting with Lehrer, including a tour of the Capitol. Bill Livingood, sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives, gave Colette an insider’s view of the House and Senate functions. She also met the minority and majority leaders and whips. But she was truly astounded when she was led to the floor to meet House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

She also enjoyed tours of the war memorials, the National Archive, the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum and other historic attractions.

The next day, Colette was off to the The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer set at the WETA television studio. The staff invited Colette to the news meetings, where they discuss the lineup for each day’s show. It’s extremely rare for anyone from outside the show to witness the news meetings. She even attended the post meeting, which usually includes only Lehrer and one other staff member.

Colette enjoyed a full tour of the set, followed by lunch. She then met with Lehrer in his offices, where he shared pointers about preparing for interviews and reading from a teleprompter. Colette recorded a demo newscast, which producers turned into a DVD. The day wrapped with Colette watching the broadcast from the control room. The staff offered her NewsHour and WETA souvenirs, including a fleece vest and a reporter’s notebook.

“Everyone was incredibly kind to me,” Colette said. “I didn’t feel in the way. I walked away with a sense that this something I’d want to go into.”

News Pros Affirm Colette’s Ambition

Visiting Lehrer and his team affirmed Colette’s interest in journalism. She admired their professionalism and dedication. And the experience helped get her pre-cancer ambitions back on track.

“My personality and my goals haven’t changed radically in any way,” Colette said. “I’m still myself after the diagnosis.”