I believe empathy and support is crucial for our students. I am the type of professor that tries as much as possible to teach to the individual, to meet them where they are and help them grow.  Your first time reporting, on the streets, trying to get people to talk to you is a huge stumbling block for many budding journalists. I give all my students my cell phone and let them know that if they are out reporting and get scared or confused to call or text me. If they are writing or producing and feel lost, to call me. I am always available to them.

 

I believe that the medium you practice is interchangeable and all journalists should have the skills to at least dabble in them all even if they have a specialty in one. I have modeled that behaviors in my career, having been both a newspaper reporter, a documentary producer and a podcaster. To me, what does matter is that your report every story deeply and fearlessly.

 

I believe when students have an outlet for publishing, it makes them more ambitious and work harder because the goal becomes more that a grade, it means an assignment is launched into the world and becomes part of a broader conversation.  I believe students need to think of journalism as a way to serve. Telling people’s stories, revealing injustice, seeking the truth is not a selfish act, it’s a job in service of the community.