Lessons Learned

I have learned a lot about becoming a journalist through the classes I have taken at the University of Northern Colorado. However, I think I have learned more from the teachers I have encountered.

These teachers pushed me to become a better, more critical writer. They helped me understand that my work can always be better. This was one part of writing I thought I was immune to. However, after getting several of my works edited, I have come to realize that every piece of work can be improved.

            I have covered stories, learned the history and ethics of journalism. Some of the high points, as a journalism student, include being given the opportunity to write for the school newspaper, The Mirror.

I have a better understanding of the operations of a newsroom, which will help with my transition into a journalistic job. Also, I am going to be interning for The Johnstown Breeze over summer. This will help me gain even more knowledge.

            The journalism department needs to work on making classes more available. I have had a few problems getting into classes I needed. Also, there is not much flexibility with the class times. Yet, overall I believe I am well equipped to enter the journalism field.

Police Trouble

I have been having a lot of trouble communicating with the Greeley police. They are cautious about every phrase they utter. For example, I was unable to talk with the gang detectives for my last article. The Sergeant made sure I directed all my questions to him. This was a problem when I wanted to get more sources for the paper.  

Also, I videotaped the outside of the police department, which is legal. However, it aroused some suspicion and after a week I was contacted. The police asked me questions about myself and my reasons for taping. The police also contacted my boyfriend who was driving and my teacher to confirm stories. Apparently other reporters have faced this problem.

 However, it is sad that working on a class project is seen as suspicious activity. I do understand journalists need to be cautious with the information they give because of ethical concerns. But, sometimes the police and other authorities overreact to these types of situations.

Halfway There

     I have been writing about the Greeley Police Department. It has been a bit troublesome to try and get information . The officers need to make sure that safety remains a priority. Yet it can be frustrating when no one will answer questions.
     However, I have enjoyed the two stories I have written. I wrote a day-in-the life story about Officer Matthew Patella. I was able to ride in his patrol car from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. I asked him several questions, and I got to see Greeley from a police officer’s perspective.
     The next story I wrote was a profile about the Greeley Gang Intervention Unit. I learned about the importance of the unit to Greeley and how the unit operates. This allowed me to make more contacts within the police force. The story was interesting because often people do not realize the difference between violence and gang violence. Through this experience I was able to learn some gang facts. In all, I think this class has been pushing me to be a better reporter by keeping me focused on my assignments.       

The Beginning of Something New

I have created this blog to learn more about new media for journalists. I also want to be able to track my growth as a writer throughout my time in Advanced News and Feature Writing.

I have already talked with several police officers at the Greeley Police Department. I have learned that a lot of robberies have been occurring over the past several weeks. In fact, Hastings, a local store, was robbed on Sunday.

I am nervous to cover this beat because it is often hard to get adequate and accurate information. As a journalist, I need to be more persistent. I hope to improve on my persistence. I know I am a talented writer. However, I need to do better reporting.

 Also, I have never blogged before and I am nervous that I may have trouble learning this new style of communication. However, I hope I will learn how to become a better journalist and gain confidence in my reporting abilities.