Bill Elsen, former editor for the Washington Post, has been teaching the other scholars and I how to think like an editor throughout the week. The most important piece of advice that I will try to make stick this summer is to act like a employee and not a intern. I was afraid that I might not learn a lot in my internship because I would be overlooked. Mr.Elsen taught me that if I am afraid of that, make sure I am seen. For example, in the staff meetings, make sure my opinion is heard, even if it may not be the best idea. I think that was great advice because it will let the editor as well as the other employees know that I am a “go getter”, and I don’t just wait for someone to spoon feed me.
He also taught me, the term “Face Time” which is time with your editor. He explained setting a specific time with the editor will be the most affective. Then when I actually get the opportunity, make sure I ask questions and listen well and then actually make the changes! I really enjoyed his lectures because I feel like he gave us a “reality check” on life in a newsroom.
Today is his last day with us. Sad to see such great wisdom walk out the door. He is definitely a mentor I want throughout my career.

Charles Pittman

My goal in life is not to be rich, or be seen, but to positively impact the world. I used to be worried that if I wasn't physically talented at anything then I couldn't influence anyone or have a reason for people to look up to me. When Charles Pittman came and spoke to us today at the Freedom Forum, I realized his biggest impact on the world will not be the millions of peoples hearts he captured when he was winning all those football games, but his passion for diversity in journalism. I believe that is what will stick with people forever. I know that impacting the world takes leadership, that got me thinking where did i get my leadership skills from? Mr.Pittman said "leadership is not taught, it's learned. He explained later that learning is not given to me, that I must go and get it. I plan to "disturb the peace" by taking his "recruitment" speech and apply for the job of change.

Multimedia Training for the Diversity Institute Multimedia Scholars Program 2010

Today I was given the first flower of a bouquet of blessings. Today was the step to impacting the world. I learned so much that reassured me that this industry was where I belonged. My passion has always been in areas that help the "underdog" such as the civil rights movement. The video we watched today on how journalism exposed the truth of the jim crow laws brought me to tears. The video made me realize the only good hate is when you hate- hate. The video also opened my eyes to how journalism is so valuable and it should never be over looked as an important field. Science, business, math are all important subjects and I would bet that every university values them highly. Why is journalism not as high of value than then other subjects? Journalism has progressed and grown and branched out into different mediums just like any other subject. This made me think about my career goals. I wanted to be an entertainment reporter, now, I don't know if that will suffice my desire to impact the world. I used to think that the reason I wanted to become a journalist was to inform people of matters that are happening in the world that they did not know about, so that maybe it would lead to a positive change. After watching the video I don't think that being an entertainment reporter would do anything but inform people of celebrity gossip and the hottest clothes and music. Is that is what people need to know? Is that what matters today? Do I want to report about things that people need to know, things that can expose the negative and positive things that are happening in our world today. Or do I want to report about things that people can live without but because the United States is so spoiled we think inanimate things are necessary and newsworthy.