Workshop chaperone Yolanda Cruz during one of the epic games of Taboo.
During my week during the journalism workshop in 2011, I learned. By that point, I had already declared my major in news-editorial journalism and I was ready to attend Southern Miss that fall. After that week, I knew I had picked the right major and could not wait to get started with all of my courses and dive deeper into the field.
Three years later, I was elated to learn I had the opportunity to be a chaperone for the very workshop I had loved so much. Honestly, I didn't think I would learn that much this week. I thought I would mainly serve as a guide to these students and help them love journalism as much as I do. Well, just because you may be a bit more experienced than those around you doesn't mean you can't learn something new.
I have learned so much this week. I had to help with some broadcast and photo work, something I have no professional experience in. The professor/student barrier was broken down with our workshop director, and I felt like she gave me a lot of insight into the journalism world. I have improved my editing skills and become much more versed with AP style because of it. Probably the experience I am most grateful for is being able to work so closely with two doctoral students, Robby Byrd and Willie Tubbs. They have both had experience not only in the workforce but also in graduate school. As an Honors College student, grad school is expected of me. They gave me a lot of advice as to what the workforce is and what would help me most if I chose to attend graduate school.
Honestly, I am incredibly grateful for this experience. I have been able to learn a lot from my professors, the students, and also myself. I can't wait to start my senior year at USM and really get to work in being a real journalist.
--Yolanda Cruz
Three years later, I was elated to learn I had the opportunity to be a chaperone for the very workshop I had loved so much. Honestly, I didn't think I would learn that much this week. I thought I would mainly serve as a guide to these students and help them love journalism as much as I do. Well, just because you may be a bit more experienced than those around you doesn't mean you can't learn something new.
I have learned so much this week. I had to help with some broadcast and photo work, something I have no professional experience in. The professor/student barrier was broken down with our workshop director, and I felt like she gave me a lot of insight into the journalism world. I have improved my editing skills and become much more versed with AP style because of it. Probably the experience I am most grateful for is being able to work so closely with two doctoral students, Robby Byrd and Willie Tubbs. They have both had experience not only in the workforce but also in graduate school. As an Honors College student, grad school is expected of me. They gave me a lot of advice as to what the workforce is and what would help me most if I chose to attend graduate school.
Honestly, I am incredibly grateful for this experience. I have been able to learn a lot from my professors, the students, and also myself. I can't wait to start my senior year at USM and really get to work in being a real journalist.
--Yolanda Cruz