I remember it well.
I was a bag of nerves as I waited in reception for someone to come and get me, while in my head I was questioning every decision I had ever made that had got me to this point.
Through the door came Simon Doyle, the then Education Correspondent, who escorted me through to the busy Irish News newsroom and I was given a desk and a seat and that was that - my first ever shift at the Irish News began.
My first job turned out to be a fire aboard the SeaCat and I was sent to the scene with instructions to find out what happened.
On the journey there, I felt so nauseous and even decided this would be my first and last day in journalism but somehow I got through it, filed the story and got my first Irish News byline - it was a wonderful feeling.
More than two decades on, I'm still writing but despite having 20 years experience I still get nervous on jobs.
Some years ago, when I interviewed US actress, Meryl Streep, as I am such a big fan, I was completely riddled with nerves.
When I eventually, somehow, found the courage to actually open my mouth to speak to her, she could obviously tell how nervous I was because she was so warm and kind and put me at my ease.
She calmed me down and completely indulged me as I ranted on about The Devil Wears Prada. She even shared some behind-the-scenes secrets about the movie with me.
I will never forget her kindness.
So, I can absolutely relate this week to a young journalist called Martha whose first ever job was to interview Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet.
The youngster, who was working for German public service broadcaster ZDF, was interviewing the 47-year-old about her new movie Avatar: The Way Of Water.
With the interview captured on camera, the teenager can be heard telling Kate 'this is my first time' to which the actress replied: "It's your first time doing it?"
Kate continued: "Well guess what, when we do this interview, it's going to be the most amazing interview ever - and do you know why? Because we've decided that it is going to be.
''And you can ask me anything that you want, and you don't have to be scared, everything is going to be amazing.
"Okay? You've got this! Okay, let's do it!".
Kate's kind words worked like magic and Martha was completely put at ease, the pair even took a selfie together.
I just adore Kate for her reaction to Martha.
Interviews and press conferences can be nerve-wracking environments even for the most experienced of journalists and Kate showed what a kind-hearted person she really is.
And now, Martha's confidence is boosted as she carries on to her next assignment.
I think we all underestimate the impact words of encouragement can have.
Being kind is free and practising it every day can make a world of difference to everyone.
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A sequel to the 2000 epic historical drama, Gladiator is reportedly moving forward with casting.
Movie-maker Ridley Scott, who is 85, has been working on a follow-up to the original, which starred Russell Crowe as former Roman general Maximus.
Scott previously confirmed the script was finished and reports last month suggested the new film will follow the story of Lucius - the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix's tyrant character Commodus who was saved by Maximus in the first film.
We're told the hunt is now on to cast lead actors.
It's always nice to have some biceps to look forward to.
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Competition
Fancy banishing the winter blues?
The Irish News has teamed up with Tourism Northern Ireland to offer one lucky reader and their guest the chance to win a relaxing spa break at The Salthouse Hotel in Co Antrim.
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, The Salthouse Hotel in Ballycastle is the perfect haven to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The lucky winner and their guest will enjoy access to the hotel’s luxurious spa where they can enjoy two 45-minute treatments of their choice and access to the Thermal Suite before they indulge in a three-course meal.
Following a peaceful night’s sleep, they can enjoy a full Irish breakfast the following morning.
The offer is valid Sunday to Thursday, is based on two people sharing and must be redeemed by March 31.
If you would like the chance to win the hotel package, simply email your name, address and telephone number
– along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com.
Closing date for entries is noon on Tuesday January 17.
(Q) In which Co Antrim town is The Salthouse Hotel located?
Normal Irish News rules apply.
COMPETITION WINNERS
The winners of the Book of Angst competition are Anne Marie Russell, from Enniskillen, Eilish Creaney, from Portadown, and Briege Quinn, from Castlecaulfield
The winners of the Movie House Cinema competition are Paul O'Neill, from Randalstown and Liz Somerville, from Carrickfergus
