What person, presentation or session so far during orientation has had the greatest impact on you and why?
- Scholar Tasnim Shamma works on her blog assignment. Shamma is headed to Newsweek magazine this summer.
- Sue Stock (2000), retail reporter at <i>The News & Observer</i> in Raleigh, N.C., discusses accuracy and tricks of the trade.
- Scholar Nicole Norfleet is a business intern at <i>The Washington Post</i> in Washington, D.C.
- CQS program Co-founder John C. Quinn and Scholar Richard White. White is a multimedia reporter for The Chronicle of Philanthropy in Washington, D.C.
- The Spring 2010 class with John C. Quinn, CQS program co-founder.
Photos by Val Hoeppner and Mary Ann Hogan
Tasnim Shamma
01.23.10
The session that had the greatest impact on me was Jamesetta M. Walker’s lecture on the first five graphs.
Her attitude and approach were practical. Walker’s speech, and the enthusiasm with which she delivered it, reflects good writing:
– She engaged her audience,
– she was brief, and
– she was creative.
Walker, an assistant city editor and style columnist at The Virginian-Pilot, used practical every-day occurrences that show how readers might react to a long and confusing piece. She illustrated what readers are thinking, what they are doing, and how we can grab their attention to give them the news.
Alejandra Matos
01.23.10
The most inspirational speaker was John Seigenthaler, founder of the Freedom Forum’s First Amendment Center, and John Quinn, co-founder of the Chips Quinn Scholars program. These men are journalism legends, and even history legends. However, they are still grounded. They do not take anything for granted and they care about the people who work for them and the people whom they are helping, specifically the Chipsters.
I have learned a lot about gathering story ideas and finding interesting ways to report it, but if you don’t truly care about your stories or the people in your community, it is worthless. These men have taught us to be caring and compassionate, and the best journalists are just that, just as Quinn and Seigenthaler are. They have cared enough about us to give us these opportunities and invest their time and resources in us. It’s a great inspiration and blessing to know that someone believes in me that way.
Kiah Haslett
01.23.10
Today’s panel discussion with Chips alums about story ideas and how they mine ideas for their beats will change, add and enhance the stories I come up with. I’ve heard these suggestions before, but I have never walked away so inspired and excited to visit these places. I’m now gathering string.
Once, I had an opportunity to ask Nicholas Kristof a question. I asked him about his magic question. His answer was “And is there anything else you haven’t told me?” — a question even I know to ask!
So I was very pleased to get other questions that provide equally insightful answers, especially the “What surprised you?” question
Lisa Song
01.23.10
The presentation by Jamesetta Walker, assistant city editor and style columnist at The Virginian-Pilot, was amazing. I have been following Hurricane Katrina for a long time–first from a scientific and geological point of view, and then, when I switched to reporting, I visited New Orleans two years after the storm and wrote an essay about the city’s recovery. That essay got me accepted into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s science writing program and launched my journalism career. I also have friends who worked with Katrina refugees, so hearing Jamesetta’s story of how she went through the storm as a reporter added much depth to something that I care very much about.
I’ve always wondered how reporters can screen off their personal feelings while covering disasters. It seems like a superhuman feat. And it’s particularly relevant today given the recent disaster in Haiti. It was strangely comforting to hear from Jamesetta that it’s difficult to separate personal and professional feelings while reporting, that reporters do struggle with it, and that it’s natural. It just goes to show how journalists need to adopt “split personalities” to handle their professional duties.
Elvia Malagon
01.23.10
Throughout the weekend we have frequently heard stories from John Quinn, co-founder of the Chips Quinn Scholars program.
What stands out in my mind is when he told us that we have to have confidence in ourselves. In an earlier session, many of us confessed that we had worries about not measuring up in our host newsrooms.
What we thought were just personal fears turned out to be concerns shared by all.
Having John Quinn tell us that the program believes in us and that we should be confident gave me the extra boost I needed.
I know I might not be as strong a reporter or writer as others in my newsroom this summer, but I hope to learn as much as I can from them to improve my skills.
This summer, as I challenge myself as a journalist, I will keep in mind Mr. Quinn’s wise words: “If you don’t have confidence in yourself, who will?”
Nicole Norfleet
01.23.10
I can’t remember how many times I have been told how to construct a lead, so I’m a little surprised that the discussion by Jamesetta M. Walker, assistant city editor of The Virginian-Pilot, about the first five paragraphs of a story was my favorite presentation. She cut to the chase and told how it is: you have to write tighter. I have always had an issue with writing tighter. I have gotten better with time, but I’d put the problem on the back burner. Jamie’s session reminded me that writing concisely is very important, especially today when there are so many other distractions.
We are writing for our readers, and she pressured us to constantly keep the readers in mind. Her notes detail how to deal with sources, leads, centerpieces, etc. Jamie doesn’t stop improving, either. She is constantly seeing how to get more information to the readers. She discusses story length with page designers daily to make sure the important information stays on the first page and does not jump. Jamie reminded me about what my real mission as a journalist is. It’s not to write the prettiest copy. It’s not to show off my vocabulary. It’s to inform people.
Veronica Cruz
01.23.10
This question may as well have been “Who’s your favorite musician?”
I have at least two dozen favorite musicians, and depending on my mood, what I’ve done that day and where I am when the question is asked, the answer could range from The Beatles to Lady Gaga. Music is a powerful medium and can be inspirational in various ways and for different reasons.
Similarly, each of the speakers and sessions we’ve had throughout orientation has been important and has touched on different aspects of journalism. I’m certain that at some point in my internship and life outside the newsroom all of the pointers and insight the speakers have shared with us will be useful.
However, I am most inspired by the personal touch John Quinn, co-founder of the Chips Quinn Scholars program, adds each time he stands at the podium. Walking stick in tow, he shares his experience, stories about his wife Loie and their son Chips, and “Quinnisms,” pieces of invaluable advice.
John’s stories remind us that despite our passion for journalism and commitment to the storytelling process, above all we are human first. Conducting ourselves in a certain way and taking to heart Loie’s beliefs about care, love and hugs are lessons that can enrich our professional and private lives.
Kristy Chu
01.24.10
After a mere two and a half days in Nashville, I feel as though I’ve learned enough valuable experience to last me for my entire career–and I am confident that it will. However, the presentation that had the most profound effect on me was hearing John Quinn tell us “how it all began.”
Before arriving at orientation, I did not have a true sense of why I was chosen as a Chips Quinn Scholar. What I knew of Mr. Quinn, the Chips Quinn Scholars program’s co-founder, was what I was able to find out on Google. The same went for my knowledge of the program itself. Professors and journalism colleagues who are familiar with it had rave reviews. They knew many successful journalists who went through the program and said it’s a wonderful experience, but their words could not compare to the feeling of camaraderie I’ve felt since arriving, and that has mostly been due to Mr. Quinn and his stories.
Mr. Quinn’s stories of his wife Loie, their son Chips and his experiences touched me in a way I didn’t think would be possible after such a short time. There is no doubt that Mr. Quinn is a wonderful storyteller, and when you combine that skill with a diverse range of experiences, you really begin to understand what the CQS program is really all about. It was yesterday that I began to understand exactly why I was chosen to be here and what I should aspire to during my time here.
Diane S.W. Lee
01.24.10
The photo of a vulture stalking a starving Sudanese boy still gives me goosebumps. It is an iconic photo housed in the Newseum’s gallery of Pulitzer Prize-winning photos, which I viewed in 2007. I vividly remember the image and story behind it. It brought tears to my eyes to see the powerful image of a frail boy of skin-and-bones hunched over, just moments before he became the vulture’s supper.
The South African photographer who captured the moment was awarded one of journalism’s highest honors. Yet later, he probably regretted his decision to snap the photo. Not saving the child when he had a chance to haunted him. He later committed suicide.
There are times when we remove ourselves from sources and events we’re covering in an attempt to be fair and balanced. But we’re all human beings, not mechanical robots. We may have feelings and opinions about certain subjects and issues we cover, but we do our best not to let those thoughts creep into our stories. During humanitarian crises, we become aware of the fineness of the line.
How do we balance being a reporter and a human being, especially when covering disasters for which we’re often unprepared? I asked Jamesetta M. Walker, assistant city editor and style columnist of The Virginian-Pilot. She covered Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi and called it a “life-changing experience.”
Her answer resonated with me: “You’re a human first. …When you’re affected, it’s survival of the fittest.”
I was surprised to learn that she struggled with covering the community in the wake of Katrina. She said that a lot of people don’t realize that doctors, nurses and even journalists are affected as they carry out their duties. While Walker worked at telling stories of displaced residents, she also worried about her own life and family and the dwindling supply of food and water. It was inspiring and humbling to hear her share these stories.
So what should we do when we’re stuck in a similar dilemma? Do we just watch and report from the scene? Do we save people? Do we call for help?
It is a personal choice that journalists sometimes have to deal with. I think you have to ask yourself whether you can live with your decision. I believe you have to go with that gut feeling or inner voice.
We may not save people from burning buildings like firefighters, but the work we do as journalists is still heroic. Everyday, journalists somewhere are risking their lives as they cover war. We’re in the business of informing people. We can make them laugh, cry and even inspire them to take action. With any hope, our efforts make a lasting impression.
Ashley Marchand
01.24.10
I found myself on the verge of tears on the first day of orientation.
The “Call to Order” and “Welcome/Who We Are” sessions Jan. 21 gave us our first insights into one of the most significant questions we could ask of journalists–the question “why.” As brand new Chips Quinn Scholars, we learned why the program exists, why we are here in Nashville, and most important, why the people who run this foundation care so much.
John C. Quinn, co-founder of the Chips Quinn Scholars program, not only shared stories of how he and his wife Loie established the program, but also shared with us his vision for our future success.
Other speakers, including Jack Marsh, vice president of diversity programs at the Freedom Forum and Diversity Institute, described their experiences as young journalists in newsrooms virtually void of diversity.
Because of founders and leaders like these, this organization’s legacy is one of compassion and vision, one that we have now inherited from Chips Quinn himself. Because others are making the effort to invest in us, we are able to pursue journalism with renewed confidence and passion.
Richard White
01.24.10
Hands down, my answer would have to be John Quinn, co-founder of the Chips Quinn Scholars program.
Meeting and interacting with John has only deepened my appreciation for life.
I met John at the Unity Convention in Chicago in 2008. When I was selected as a Spring 2010 Chips Quinn Scholar, I was thankful, not least because I knew I would see John again.
Through our conversations, jokes, handshakes and hugs, John has found a special place in my heart. He appreciates life and he appreciates the people who share his passion for journalism and who seek to do positive things in the world.
John has lived a decorated life, sowing seeds of opportunity for thousands, and he looks like he does it with ease. I’m thankful that John and I have crossed paths.
I wish I could be a cool as John when I’m his age. If he’s free on my wedding day, I’m pretty sure John will be one of my groomsmen.
Yes, I tweeted that.