SIWJ Fall 2009
Looking back at the past few month, it’s hard to believe that the SIWJ program is over for me. Here, we learned what skills we had, what skills we could acquire, where we wanted to go, and ultimately who we are. From all the various media projects and boot camp sessions to the visits to major news operations got us ready for the world of journalism.
Personally, this program was something that I had never experienced before. I know phrases like that are thrown around like a football, but SIWJ truly is a unique experience. Before I had gotten involved with this program, I had no real direction–no idea what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. This was the case before I opened my mailbox and saw a flyer that said I could come to D.C. to experience something I had never experienced before. Being a political junkie and a creative writing major, journalism in the political nexus of the nation seemed like a fun thing to try out– I had no idea what I was in for.
Through my internship at Campaign and Elections magazine, I learned how to write better, do research, copy edit, collect information from interviews, and take better photos. Through SIWJ classes, I learned how to shoot and edit video, edit photos better, analyze media, participate in new media, do interviews, blog, and network with others in the industry. From all the experiences I have gone through this semster I have acquired the skills that are needed to become a great journalist. Not only have I developed as a professional, but as a person as well. People will tell you they’ve all had life changing moments, but even though it sounds cliche’, this program will change anyone’s life. Being part of a group of dedicated individuals who grew alongside me has put many things in perspective. Although I leave DC today, I will be back in the future, hopefully working alongside the same five interns I worked with during one of the longest semesters in my life.
Cheers!
~Matt
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