Don't Mess with a Journo's Reporter Pad..

Recently I had an interesting experience which made me question "How am i perceived as a young journalist." While interviewing a source for a story i am currently writing, the interviewee/PR contact took it upon herself to snatch my reporters pad out of my hand as i was taking notes! Yes she literally reached over from where she was sitting, about 5ft from me, and took my pad out of my hand in mid stroke of my pen. Needless to say, i was very offended. And after this episode occurred i began to evaluate her actions and mannerisms toward me. I would notice how she was quick to dictate who i was and was not going to interview. She would interject into conversations while i was talking with other sources. She would make noise while i was recording. And worst she started telling me what i need, or shall i say: "what you will put in your article is this..." Now her actions could be just part of her character, however something tells me that my juvenile appearance played a major role. During one of many conversations with this woman, she asked how old i was, and i told her--i have no need to hide my age just to get respect as an established journalist. My time will come, and my qualifications will show through how i handle each story. She also kept making comments like, "I'm old enough to be your mother," or "Awww your little pad is too cute."
I must say i didn't let this behavior continue, After 2xs taking my pad, and several xs of telling me who i would and would not interview, i became very assertive and even had to tell her not to speak while i interview others.

My main concern, other than being utterly annoyed, was not this woman's words, but her perception on how well she thinks i can do my job, and more so, how that conflicts with me actually doing my job. I wonder, no i am more than positive that she would not have done all of those things if i were a veteran in the game. So why do people try to overpower and control unseasoned professionals? I think its a psychological thing, a sense of entitlement, a want for control. If its one thing i've learned thus far is how to be assertive in this industry. Assertive when trying to contact a source, assertive to pitch story ideas, assertive to get ahead, and assertive to establish yourself as one to be respected. "POWER TO MY JOURNOS" KEEP BEING ASSERTIVE!