Orientation journals: Chips Quinn Scholars jot down thoughts and lessons

01.29.03

Printer-friendly page

Twenty-seven students arrived in Arlington, Va., for Chips Quinn Scholars orientation during one of the coldest weeks of the year. “Being a Chips Quinn Scholar means arriving in Arlington … wishing you had brought thermo pants,” said Ricardo Sanchez Jr. of California State University-Fullerton.

Jeremy Verdusco, a Michigan State University graduate, said that despite the winter weather, “From notification to orientation, I have felt a welcoming warmth.”

Students and graduates from 23 colleges made up the Spring 2003 class, the largest Spring class of Chips Quinn Scholars ever. Before joining daily newspapers as interns, they participated in a five-day training orientation at Freedom Forum headquarters.

During orientation, Scholars were asked to write a journal. Through the journals, we see what the newest Chips Quinn Scholars had to say about their orientation experiences and what it meant to be given an opportunity to begin a career in newspaper journalism.

Select a day: Wednesday — Thursday — Friday — Saturday — Sunday

Wednesday, Jan. 15

At an opening dinner, Scholars met each other and their Freedom Forum hosts. Opportunity and responsibility were on the minds of the Scholars.

Tamica Theus

“After only one day of orientation, I see that this program is more than just paragraphs and pronouns. It’s about showing me what’s possible. It’s like the door of unlimited possibilities has been blown off its hinges, and I can walk through it with confidence. Being a Chips Quinn Scholar means that I’m becoming the writer that I’ve always wanted to be.” – Tamica Theus, California State University-Long Beach, who is working as an intern at The Santa Fe New Mexican

“I must show the same professional attitude as previous Scholars … so newspapers and editors continue to recognize the excellence of the program,” – Nancy Yang, University of Minnesota, The Desert Sun, Palm Springs, Calif.

“When chosen to be a Scholar, a student is afforded opportunities that can not be passed up. An all-expense paid trip to Washington is just the beginning. There, for five days, Scholars are subjected to a rigorous regimen of training, learning and sharing. Afterward come 12 weeks at newspapers around the national honing their journalistic craft. The experience leaves the Scholars with precious contacts that can enhance their careers and lifelong friends. Where else can such an experience lead, but success?” – Isabelle Gan, Santa Monica College, Press Journal, Vero Beach, Fla.

“It means working hard and then working harder to maintain and exceed Chips Quinn Scholar standards of excellence in journalism.” – Geneva Horse Chief, University of New Mexico-Albuquerque, Muskogee (Okla.) Daily Phoenix & Times-Democrat

Chris Young

“It seems like a terrific way to enter the professional workplace, with lots of support from editors and staff dedicated to passing on their knowledge to a younger generation.” – Chris Young, University of California-Los Angeles, The Bulletin, Bend. Ore.

Opening night also was a time to think about things to come.

Karen Johnson

“I am now ready for this challenge. I’m ready to … venture beyond the classroom into the real world. Being a Chips Quinn Scholar means being ready for adventure.” – Karen Johnson, Auburn University, The News-Press, Fort Myers, Fla.

“As Chips Quinn Scholars, we will come out racing, with pens blazing, carving out our own paths.” – Tara Lake, Florida A&M University, The News-Press, Fort Myers, Fla.

Thursday, Jan. 16

In the first full day of orientation, training focused on skills Scholars need to be successful in their newsrooms. They began by talking about the rights and responsibilities of the First Amendment. From there, it was on to the elements of good writing.

“The most valuable thing I learned is the importance of the First Amendment. I admit that I had taken the First Amendment for granted.” – Jan-Mikael Patterson, University of New Mexico-Gallup, Great Falls (Mont.) Tribune

Isabelle Gan

“Our views of the world are constantly limited by our inability to see the bigger picture. As a journalist, I hope to sharpen this skill. The credibility and accuracy of any project I tackle will depend on this skill. It involves objectivity, curiosity and asking the right questions – skills that only can be culled and developed from experience.” – Isabelle Gan, Santa Monica College, Press Journal, Vero Beach, Fla.

“With a magazine background, … I look forward to writing on a faster deadline at my newspaper internship … I also am eager to put my reporting skills to the test – seeing how easily I can get into the community and find the story and talk to people.” – Ernestine Bousquet, University of Oregon, The Bulletin, Bend, Ore.

“The one skill that I want to sharpen during my internship is my networking skill. I want to connect with a lot of people and know where to find sources for any story I do.” – Ali Fard, San Jose State University, The Oakland (Calif.) Tribune

“As a copy-editing intern, I hope to build my editing and English skills. To have a better grasp of English, my goal is to read more than I did when I attended school.” – Lisa Butt, San Jose State University, The Ledger, Lakeland, Fla.

“One skill that I want to sharpen is the ability to tell a story through my photography. I have concentrated on composition, metering and depth of field, but I want to improve the content of my photos. Improving my ability to tell a story enables me to have more of an expressive power and allows me to shoot with an increased sense of purpose.” – Jerome Nakagawa, University of California-Berkeley, The Santa Fe New Mexican

Friday, Jan. 17

Throughout orientation, Scholars heard from veteran journalists, who inspired and encouraged this next generation of news people. On Friday, Scholars heard from George Benge, news executive at Gannett newspapers, and Bob Dubill, retired executive editor of USA TODAY.

“The most valuable thing I learned this week is that there is a network within the business of journalism. I will keep this in mind as I head into my second internship and know that there always is someone to learn from. There is no such thing as learning too much in journalism.” – Michael Forbes, Virginia Union University, Lancaster (Pa.) New Era

“The most important thing I learned at the Freedom Forum is not to hang your culture at the door of your workplace. This statement by George Benge will be a guide for me as I begin my internship. Ethnic background is a gift that gives you a different perspective.” – Elsa Gunnberg, University of Arizona, The Desert Sun, Palm Springs, Calif.

“The people involved with Chips Quinn have given me the gift of inspiration, comfort and support in a field that often leaves me disillusioned. I know that 20 to 30 years from now, I will be able to dial the number of a Chipster, mentor or speaker and ask ‘About those commas …?’ or ‘Do you have any advice?’ I will cherish this always.” – Joanne Yuan, Arizona State University, Statesman Journal, Salem, Ore.

“It might be his charismatic way of getting his message across. Or maybe it’s that he’s so sincere. I’m not sure why, but I do know that Bob Dubill will be part of my life forever. What an inspiration.” – Millete Birhanemaskel, Colorado State University, Greeley (Colo.) Tribune

Saturday, Jan. 18

John Quinn, Freedom Forum advisory trustee and founder of the Scholars program, joined the students for a conversation about how the program began and what a difference diversity makes in a newsroom.

“I know I can make a difference just by being me. No one at the newspaper has yet experienced me or seen what I can do – and I’m going to do my best to wow them.” – Nancy Yang, University of Minnesota, The Desert Sun, Palm Springs, Calif.

“I can make a difference at my newspaper internship by embracing every opportunity given me. Many people will be taking time out of their days to help me become a better designer. I will utilize everything they teach me because I want to become a great designer.” – Heather Shije, University of Tulsa, The News-Press, Fort Myers, Fla.

“Sometimes issues aren’t viewed in new, fresh ways. I hope going to a different place will let me see things that I am not used to. I plan to bring a new view to the newsroom. This is diversity, and every person needs it.” – Robyn Jones, University of Florida, The Dispatch, Lexington, N.C.

“I can make a difference in my newsroom by being the best reporter I can be. Good stories, good ethics, good ideas.” – Tilde Herrera, San Francisco State University, The Oakland (Calif.) Tribune

“As long as I am able to make my superiors proud of me, then I can say I’ve made a difference.” – Colin Atagi, San Jose State University, The Oakland (Calif.) Tribune

Sunday, Jan. 19

It was time to say goodbye to new friends and mentors. From orientation, Scholars headed to their host newspapers to begin their internships.

Kevin Pang

“I’m most excited about my internship because I’ll be doing what I plan to do for the rest of my life. I’m an adult now. That’s scary. But that’s also exciting.” – Kevin Pang, University of Southern California, The Arizona Republic, Phoenix

“Journalism and writing are going to be paving the way for me. All my life I have loved writing stories, reading newspapers and talking to people. Now I have the pleasure of getting paid for it.” – Don Williams, Southern University and A&M College, The News-Star, Monroe, La.

“I can’t wait to start my internship. I want to improve my storytelling and develop picture stories and essays so that later I will have the skills when opportunities come along.” – Lianne Milton, San Francisco State University, Lancaster (Pa.) New Era

“I’m excited to start my internship because I have the opportunity to share my skills, learn new things and meet new people.” – Jennifer Magno, San Francisco State University, FLORIDA TODAY, Melbourne

“The opportunity is a shot at a future of personal satisfaction. I intend not just to run but to fly with it.” – Norm Narvaja, Cleveland State University, Press & Sun-Bulletin, Binghamton, N.Y.

Like all Scholars, Ricardo Sanchez Jr. was ready to get to work: “I can’t wait to start my internship because I want to prove myself worthy, not only to myself but to my family, friends and those who have helped me this week. I’m excited to tell stories, interview people, write leads, spark conversations and say, ‘Hi, my name is Ricardo Sanchez and I’m with the Greeley Tribune.’ Cool!”

Related

Being a Chips Quinn Scholar means believing, caring, trying
Orientation program takes young, budding journalists of color through paces of newsgathering, writing.  05.23.02

Summer journals: Learning about life while covering news
Chips Quinn Scholars gain journalism experience as interns — sometimes the hard way.  08.02.02