I'm a journalism major. And with that comes the assumption that I'll do most of my learning outside of the classroom.
Well, this semester is when that type of learning starts. Up to this point, it's been all theory and discussion of how journalism is done. Not actually doing journalism.
The assignment is a news package due at the end of the semester, basically a video news story like you see on your local news. I decided to be proactive and start mine super early. What I didn't count on was that the act of journalism is completely different from the study of journalism.
I picked up my camera, got dressed in what I thought was appropriate and set out to as Ron Burgundy so elegantly put it, "Do the News."
When I got to the scene of my story, I soon figured out that holding the mic up to a person and asking them a question was much different than reading and critiquing a made-up story. I still have much to learn, but I've really advanced in how I act around those I interview.
I learned that I am much more resourceful than I thought (catching up with a runaway interviewee on a golf cart) and that everything I've learned in theory is good as that... a theory. Putting things into practice takes time and experience. I've learned that I can't be perfect the first time I put my mind to something. Instant gratification does not exist in journalism, or really in life for that matter. I'm so used to being the one of the best at what I set my mind to, so not having an immediate knowledge really put me off.
I still have much to learn, but I'm excited to see where this journey takes me.
Hi Justine, thanks for the great posts. I am pleased that your first conversation with Harrison went well. You made him sound quite personable and friendly. I like that he was concerned about your cough. I loved the missing cheese caper. I think I would have laughed too. I am also glad that you have a chance to actually experience journalism rather than just learn about. Indeed, experience is the best teacher.
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