What they’re saying about the Fellows program

02.19.01

Printer-friendly page

Fellows

Nina Rao

"This fellowship made my dream of becoming a reporter come true."
— Jonathan Bethely, education reporter, Chronicle-Tribune, Marion, Ind.

"I'm having a great time at this small paper because I get to be a star."
— Patrina Bostic, reporter, Longview (Texas) News-Journal

"To say that the fellowship has proved generous and the Star-Banner supportive, understates the point. I've enjoyed numerous opportunities to cultivate my skills, in addition to on-the-job experience."
— Jeremy Verdusco, copy editor, Ocala (Fla.) Star-Banner

"There have been many opportunities to learn and grow as a journalist. One of things I am most proud of is the confidence my superiors have come to place in me."
— Rachel Rique, photographer, Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald

"I am exponentially more confident — of my skills, of my rights, of my power and of my role. I am a better question-asker, note-taker and article-writer. … I'm more aware of the repercussions of a story and of the extent to which I am responsible for that. I've learned about the craft through Freedom Forum efforts like the Fellows' conferences, through Freedom Forum-sponsored trips like the Poynter siinar I attended. … So, I've changed."
— Nina Rao, business reporter, Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader

"I am learning every day and also having fun at it."
— Javier Serna, outdoors reporter, The Truth, Elkhart, Ind.

Liz Mineo

"I think one of the greatest contributions minority reporters can bring to the newsroom is including minority people in the bigger picture and making them more visible. By doing that, reporters educate mainstream readers, making them realize that minority groups are not different from them, and they all share the same hopes, goals and dreams."
— Liz Mineo, immigration reporter, MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, Mass.

"This program has helped me build confidence in my shooting and has helped me feel better as a person. I know being a photographer is what I want to do."
— Gary Coronado, photographer, Palm Beach (Fla.) Post, who was a Fellow at the Naples (Fla.) Daily News

Editors

"It's been a godsend for us. It's been good for us, good for the community and good for the employee, too."
— Mark Baldwin, executive editor, The Wausau (Wis.) Daily Herald

"It is such a valuable tool for locating, hiring and growing minority journalists."
— Rich Rassmann, then-managing editor, The Herald, Rock Hill, S.C.

"Our Fellow, Patrina Bostic, is a vital member of our news staff. She has become many things to the News-Journal: an example to her fellow reporters of curiosity, enthusiasm and tenacity; a willing learner who seeks out her editors and then listens to all feedback; a provider to our readers of compelling stories about their community; a big, fat headache to those government officials who'd rather operate in the dark."
— Ana Walker, editor, Longview (Texas) News-Journal

"Kendra (Johnson) brings a fresh eye and a passion for copy editing to The Ledger, both of which are serving us well. She works well with her colleagues on the news desk and has taken a pro-active role complimenting and critiquing reporters' work, sending them notes when appropriate. After only a few months here she acts like a veteran."
— Lenore Devore, managing editor, The Ledger, Lakeland, Fla.