Colby Kistner is heading back to Florida after a three-month internship with EdNews.

The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native flew to Boise on May 16 knowing as much about Idaho’s public school funding formula as a gator in the Everglades.

EdNews staff and the many others he interviewed while writing about education eased his nerves and anxiety, he said.

Valuable experiences

Kistner’s unfamiliarity with the Gem State didn’t stop him from asking questions, even to some of Idaho’s top education leaders.

“Who are you?” Kistner asked West Ada Superintendent Derek Bub at Independence Elementary’s open house on May 28. 

Bub, a long-time educator and superintendent of the state’s largest school district, was kind and helpful, said Kistner.

The highlight of his internship was covering a Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce conference featuring Secretary of State Phil McGrane.

“I felt as if I was one of the prominent businesspeople who were sitting alongside me,” Kistner told his father and stepmother on a FaceTime call that evening.

Whether Kistner wrote briefs about reading scores or features about high school teachers, he embraced assignments as an opportunity to learn.

How Kistner spent his free time

Kistner loves to hike but mostly avoided Idaho’s famous nature trails because he fears snakes.

Instead, the former high school distance runner strolled the Boise River Greenbelt and Broadway Street, averaging about five miles per outing.

“It may be 100 degrees, but it ain’t humid,” Kistner told his friends back home.

After those long walks, he would stop at his favorite Boise restaurant, Tavolata. The fresh Italian pasta noodles made Kistner feel like he was studying abroad on a hot summer day in Rome.

A day trip to Baker City, Oregon, and a wine-tasting tour with his mother and stepfather during their visit are two of his favorite memories.

Moving forward

Kistner is heading back to the humidity and mosquitoes of Florida for his final year at the University of Florida. He is part of a special project for ESPN Gainesville and will return to The Alligator for a third semester.

Kistner hopes his experience with EdNews will help him effect positive change and hold leaders accountable as he continues pursuing a career in journalism.

You can follow Kistner on X @colbykistner22 or email him at colbykistner333@gmail.com.