About the Spectrum
Web site templates. Blog creations. Crash-course InDesign lessons. Cars full of dynamite and assorted mob killings. “Thriller” dance sessions. Opening new doors for our future journalism careers. Only a sampling of the vast experiences found at the 2009 Point Park University Summer Journalism Workshop during the week of June 21.
From awkwardly shifting our feet in anticipation in the I.D. picture line on Sunday afternoon to gathering around, shoulder to shoulder, taking a group picture in the main lobby on Friday morning, we gained everlasting skill, friendship and social confidence throughout the week.
A brave team of Point Park professors, Resident Assistants (RA’s) and guest speakers led our group of 29 print and photojournalists through a series of lectures and events.
The varied schedule included discussions with Bill Moushey, investigative journalist; Jasmine Goldband, photojournalist; Tony LaRussa, reporter; Jody Farr, webmaster; Jim Heinrich, layout editor; Bob O’Gara, advertising and public relations specialist; and a variety of lessons conducted by workshop professors Heather Starr Fiedler, Helen Fallon and Steve Hallock.
Events ranged from a riveting Pirates baseball game to an hour-long scavenger hunt throughout downtown Pittsburgh. Though think and thin, our RA’s stood by us.
“I liked helping all of the students, and I’m glad I got to work on my editing skills,” said RA Brooke Keane, a senior at Point Park University. “It’s given me a sense of accomplishment that I actually know what I’m talking about.”
Everyone obtained valuable information and techniques, which will assist us in our future careers and aspirations.
“I learned a lot of skills that I would like to bring back to my school newspaper,” said Lyndsay Miron, a print journalism student.
After being assigned sections and stories, we immediately went to work on interviewing and writing about many topics. Prior to the workshop, our professors arranged phone interviews with reliable sources that helped with all of our articles. In a matter of a few days, we managed to turn interviews into articles.
“I didn’t think I could write and edit an article in such a short period of time,” said Isabel Galupo. “But I did.”
Most students took more from the workshop than just knowledge and skills. The experiences that we had and the people we met have made an impression on us that will last a lifetime.
“I went to a lot of cool places, and I got to ride public transit!” said Macy DiRienzo, one of the nine photojournalists. “I’ve made great friends that I’ll keep after the workshop and beyond.”
Thought we hit some technological road-bumps, the ends justified the means.
“Macs are horrible,” said Marina Weis, “but I liked the college experience, and I’m seriously considering attending Point Park.”
All in all, the workshop was a positive experience to be remembered through a magazine, a website, various blogs, a Facebook group and the memories of everyone involved.
