Thankful for people who care

The Spring 2007 class -- along with two members of the Summer 2007 class -- gather in front of the Diversity Institute in Nashville, Tenn.

I didn’t fully understand the experience I was about to embark on when I arrived at orientation.

This weekend was more than information about journalism and training for our internships. It was about support, great role models, mentors and the beginning of lifelong relationships.

I am used to doing everything on my own. I started working at age 14 and haven’t stopped. I went to Cuba by myself. I moved to a university of 45,000 students three days before school started, not knowing anyone. I moved myself. I paid for everything.

As I reflect on these experiences and the experiences of the weekend, I can honestly say for the first time that someone believes in me and that many people (besides my sisters) are behind me 100 percent.

I first applied for this program during my junior year and didn’t get in. I didn’t give up. I applied for the program the following year. Today as I sit here, I am glad that I did.

Most of all, I’m glad that there are people like (program founder) John C. Quinn who actually care about the future of the press and about each of us. The staff of the Chips Quinn Scholars Program is great, as well. They are the people who made this weekend a great experience and who give me hope for the future.

-- Maria Ines Zamudio, Summer 2007 Scholar, Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader (one of two Summer Scholars attending Spring orientation because of scheduling conflicts)

An abundance of gifts

The weekend makes me optimistic about the future of journalism and about my own future in the field.

The friends and mentors I have made amazed me so much, taught me so much and made me laugh so much. Ashley (Anthony) was brave to be the first to recite the First Amendment. It helped to have Stephanie (Armenta) to share our fears of fast-paced dailies since we have worked only at magazines. When I learned that Kellie (Hwang) and Mariecar (Mendoza) also belong to the Asian American Journalists Association, I felt comfortable sharing that already-established connection with them. (I'm excited to have the same connection with Chips Quinn alums).

Deanna (Dent) showed me her photography project and gave me tips on getting into photography. At odd hours of the night, Maria (Miranda) and I shared our experience of studying journalism and discussed how my classes in Hong Kong emphasized different things from her classes here. Maria (Zamudio) and I talked about traveling and going abroad; I hope she has a wonderful time in Beijing (try fried scorpions!).

Tara-Lynne (Pixley) is a fabulous dancer and I loved her contagious energy. Connie (Llanos) is fun and hilarious; it inspires me that she tries hard and asked for so much advice about getting more feedback on her work throughout this orientation. She'll be an amazing editor and mentor herself one day--I'd work for her :) Craig (Henry) impressed me when he talked about how direct he is with his editors about what he wants to learn. I hope I can one day be that assertive. And I hope to one day acquire as many new media skills as Brian (Aguilar). Alex (Burris) is one of the sweetest people I've ever met, Gabby (Gonzalez) is passionate and inquisitive, and Diana (Diroy) packs so much energy into her tiny self.

I hope that the skills and traits that I admire in my fellow Chipsters have rubbed off a bit on me. And I hope that I have contributed something to someone while I'm here.

It's sad that orientation's over now but I know that we'll stay connected in some way. I'm looking forward to also learning from the dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable network of mentors we now have.

-- Cathy Tran, Spring Scholar, The Orange County (Calif.) Register and University of California-Santa Barbara

The elusive cowboy

Having fun line dancing at the Wildhorse Saloon, a Nashville landmark, are Ashley Anthony (left), Career Coach Colleen Fitzpatrick and Connie Llanos.

His thumbs hooked in the belt loops of his jeans, the man in cowboy attire high-kicked and pivoted with a grace that comes only from experience. His tipped black hat, matching boots and shirt fit the Wildhorse Saloon's decor and clientele. But still, he managed an air of superiority. I was enthralled.
I've never traveled to anywhere even close to the nation’s Heartland before. My closest brush with the stomps and gyrations of line dancing came in elementary school, years ago. My cowgirl-wannabe of a school librarian would give me short lessons in the hallway. No, this man was far removed from any previous experience or understanding I had in the way of country anything.
He was the real thing.

Twanging accents shouting friendly "Hey ya'alls!" and the never-ending barrage of country crooning formed an unintelligible din. The sounds curled up through the saloon's atrium, filling the three floors then bouncing back to the dance floor, where The Cowboy was fully engaged in serious dancing.

Giggling teenagers tried their feet at a line nearby but no one could approach the calm confidence of The Cowboy's obvious expertise. Side step after side step, swivel, stomp and swivel again, he never missed a beat. But he also never smiled. I thought that was curious.

We joined him and many others on a packed dance floor to misstep and laugh our way through a simple routine. After repeating the same stomps and pivots what seemed like a hundred times, our gaggle of line-dancing hopefuls swarmed back to our tables. Laughing uproariously and red-faced (line dancing is more strenuous than it looks), I noticed that The Cowboy had taken his leave of the lines and was nowhere to be seen. Perfection alone must be far less entertaining than making goofs with friends. The Cowboy showcased his skills, inspiring our laugh-worthy attempts, then high-tailed it. Our night, however, was only getting started.

-- Tara-Lynne S. Pixley, Spring Scholar, The Greenville (S.C.) News and Florida A&M University

Showing, not telling

The Wildhorse Saloon was the perfect setting for photos, dancing and fun.


In just a few hours I’ll be on a plane back to California. As I sit here typing my final blog entry I am drawing a blank. Maybe it’s because we’ve done so much in so little time that I’m at a loss for words.

Or maybe it’s because I’ve had such an amazing time here – in Nashville and as a participant in the Chips Quinn orientation – that I can’t think of any words that could possibly define how much fun I’ve had and how much I’ve learned.

So instead of writing it here, I’m going to show you what I’ve learned through the articles I crank out every day.

For the moment, I’ll tell about the non-journalism stuff I learned here in the music capital:

* I learned to line dance – almost mastering “Money Bags.”

* I learned that Jack Marsh is better than I am at line dancing.

* I learned a new cheer: “Hooooooooooooooooollllllleeerrrr and swoller!”

* I learned that I have a Nashville accent late at night (I’m a native Californian).

And I learned that country music ain’t all that bad.

-- Mariecar Mendoza, reporter, The Desert Sun, Palm Springs, Calif., and California Polytechnic State University

Living Loie's philosophy

When I arrived at the John Seigenthaler Center Thursday my thoughts were filled with the comments I had heard from previous “Chipsters” who affirmed I would never be the same after my Chips Quinn experience. I was excited and grateful for the chance to come to Nashville and participate in the conferences and exercises. I was confident the speakers and coaches would improve my writing skills and maybe even give me the dose of “journalism juice” I was craving.

Five months into my first job, after three months as an intern at the same paper, self-doubt had begun clouding my work and fear was steering me toward another career path. Cynicism from colleagues was beginning to wear on my usually vibrant personality and positive outlook. Even a dreaded career in public relations had begun to look like a possibility.

I am not saying all my fears are quelled. I teeter between a lack of confidence and an incessant drive to succeed, which makes my life harder than it has to be at times. But these last few days have filled me with hope that journalism is the place for me. I cannot begin to name everyone who has touched me over these last few days. Each person has been special and has provided me with some needed comment or warm set of words.

Sitting through session after session with my fellow Chipsters, alums and all of the phenomenal Freedom Forum gang, I never felt more at ease or more satisfied with the people I was surrounded by.

From line dancing to dancing along to the Freedom Rockers, from laughs to tears, all of it was special and life changing.

There are so many quotes I take away with me. I plan to hold on to them and replay them in my head so when times get tough again I can remember why I am doing what I am doing, and why I belong exactly where I am.

But quite possibly my favorite quote of this trip is something John Quinn said as he handed out Loie Legacy Awards to Chips alums. He said his late wife lived by the quote: “Dance like nobody’s watching, sing like nobody’s listening, love like you’ve never been hurt and live like it’s heaven on Earth.” I plan to.

-- Connie Llanos, education reporter, Daily News, Los Angeles and California State University-Northridge

An orientation 'high'

I have a feeling that when I get back to Arizona, I will still be on an orientation “high.”

The only problem with these past four days is that they flew by too fast. The second you start to get to know someone, understand a topic or appreciate an aspect of journalism you didn’t notice before, the rug is pulled out from under you.

When I got here, I did not know what to expect. I was shocked by the attentiveness of the Freedom Forum employees and the quality of every session and speaker. From each person, I learned at least one valuable lesson that I will take with me into the newsroom.

What I value most is that I now have a strong support system that I will not be shy to turn to. The genuine compassion that everyone in this program has for each of us truly amazes me. I couldn’t think of anything better than knowing that I am not alone.

And that support does not stop at just the Freedom Forum. My fellow class Scholars and I are in the same boat. I don’t think any of them will hesitate to come to my aid when I have a problem, drop by to visit me when they are near, or just call out of the blue to say hello. There are not many people in my life I can say that about.

I can only say that I hope this high never ends

-- Kellie Hwang, Spring Scholar, The Arizona Republic, University of Washington

Mixed emotions

It's the final day of Chips Quinn orientation. Part of me is happy about that because it means I get to return to my job. But it's also difficult to leave.

I have had the pleasure of knowing many people involved with the Freedom Forum for many years now, and it is great to see them again and catch up. Obviously, it also is difficult to part with the new friends I have made. I'm torn between getting back to doing what I love – working for the Argus Leader – and leaving the people I have grown to love.

I have heard it described how Chipsters are a close family. I didn't believe I would be able to get close to 14 strangers in just four days. I was wrong. The Chips Quinn Scholars program is an unforgettable experience.

From the inspiring words of John Quinn and other speakers, to hanging out with Rick (the owner of the Red Door Saloon – Go Bears!) with Mariecar (Mendoza), Brian (Aguilar), Kellie (Hwang) and Connie (Llanos), to watching Jack Marsh and Karen Catone line dancing at the Wildhorse, to all of the other experiences: Thank you.

-- Craig Henry, online journalist, Argus Leader, Sioux Falls, S.D., and University of Oklahoma

We are family

One more chapter in my life is closing, yet many others are on their way. These four days have made a significant impact on my life that will contribute to my future career and personal life.

Since my acceptance into the program, I haven't stopped thinking about my first day on the job. Orientation has given me the tools to perform professionally in the field. I now have more confidence in my ability to face problems and work with my colleagues.

I am taking a heavy package with me: Responsibility and loyalty. I have a responsibility to be a good communicator, to be accurate and professional and to love and enjoy this career.

I am honored to have witnessed the Loie Legacy Awards that recognize the hard work of Chips Quinn Scholars and paid tribute to coach Dick Thien.

Many seminars were helpful and inspiring, including "Do's and don'ts," "First Amendment,” and "Rules of the room."

The combination of delicious food and dancing at the Wildhorse Saloon will make for a lasting memory – not to mention my accidentally stepping into people on the dance floor (sorry!), doing the wrong steps and even falling down. Yes, the Wildhorse Saloon was wild.

Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories and letting me to get to know you more. I guess we are all a family now. And thank you for the gift of a wonderful and unique life experience.

-- Gabriela Gonzalez, Spring Scholar, Ventura County (Calif.) Star and California State University-Northridge

Support as great as a pyramid

In a little more than one and one-half hours orientation will be over. I wish it could continue for another six months.

But now it’s time to arm myself with the care, knowledge and support that Karen Catone (CQS program director), Kristen Go (CQS alum), Jack Marsh, John Quinn and all the other speakers provided. It’s time to march into the world and newsroom with confidence and determination.

I entered The Daily Advertiser’s newsroom about a month ago feeling lonely, scared and overwhelmed. When I return to work tomorrow I won’t feel any of those.

The support the Chips Quinn staff provides is comparable in magnitude to a Great Pyramid in Egypt: large and overreaching. I feel confident. I feel like me for the first time in a long time. I feel like a journalist. I’m ready.

-- Alexandria Burris, reporter, The Daily Advertiser, Lafayette, La., and Louisiana State University

Deep gratitude

Oh no! It's almost over. As the hour of my departure from the nation’s music capital nears, I think of all the people I've met, everything I've learned and the good times spent with the Chipsters.

Last night we learned how to line dance. The Wildhorse Saloon was an atmosphere I hadn’t experienced before. I'm glad I tasted the delicious food, heard the country music (with a hint of Montel Jordan) and photographed the dancing.

The photos and line dancing didn’t stop with the saloon. We went to a few more spots and spent most of our time at one place waiting to sing, "I will survive" on karaoke. Sharing two microphones, a dozen of us girls sang our hearts out.

This morning, it was really good to hear from Jack Marsh and (alums) Chris Viola, Kristen Go and Manny Lopez about their first days in the newsroom and things we should and should not do. I start at The Oakland Tribune this week with a mixture of emotions: excitement, nervousness, anxiety.

Two words cannot truly express my deep gratitude to the Freedom Forum and the Chips Quinn Scholars Program, but I will say them anyway. For all the relationships I built and lessons I've learned, thank you.

-- Diana Diroy, Spring Scholar, The Oakland (Calif.) Tribune and San Jose State University

Ready to jump in

So, the question is, Are we ready? I hope so. Yes, we’re going to make mistakes. Yes, we’re going to have to work nights and probably weekends, but we’re going to be fine because of this program. I’m ready to get my feet wet.

Orientation has helped prepare us for our internships more than I ever imagined. I never knew I would be joining a family when I became a Chips Quinn Scholar. I wasn’t fully aware of the extent or strength of the support system I have repeatedly heard about at each session. I am glad I can call it my own.

I plan to use to my advantage everything I have been exposed to throughout our training. I can already see myself weeks into my internship, looking over the notes I took, using the books provided for us (Thanks for the new stylebook!) and checking in with my career coach and others.

That’s the beauty of this program: None of us will be alone. Not only do we have the people behind CQS to help guide us, but we also have each other.

This is just the beginning. The relationships we formed this week will carry through from tomorrow to the moment we get our first jobs and to when we’re called upon someday to serve as mentors to future scholars.

-- Ashley Anthony, Spring Scholar, The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun and University of Houston

I will survive

When I boarded the plane on Thursday, I had no idea what to expect in Nashville.

Meeting and listening to such wonderful people has lessened my fears about my internship. I appreciate how open and honest everyone has been. I will never forget these four days at the Diversity Institute.

We wore jeans and sneakers for our class photo, a first for Chips alums. I think Chips would be proud, seeing us in our everyday attire. We shared a fun Saturday night, singing karaoke. We got on stage and sang “I Will Survive.”

Now that I think about it, the song we chose was perfect for all of us nervous interns entering the real world of journalism. Having gone through the program and being a part of this family, I know that we all will survive our new experience.

I hope John Quinn (CQS program founder) knows how much he has done for a person like me. Being a Chipster will always be a part of me. I also appreciate the interest Mr. Quinn has taken in getting to know each of us. He is truly a remarkable person, and I hope to impress him someday with my writing career. Thank you for this wonderful experience.

-- Stephanie Armenta, Spring Scholar, The Arizona Republic, Phoenix and Arizona State University

Giving our all

Brian Aguilar, left, and teammates compete in Newsmania, a news game.

It's a good bit of advice: "Write every obituary like it's never been written before," Manny Lopez, a 1994 CQ alum, said to the Spring Scholars this morning at our final forum discussion ("Talking to your editors/peers").

Manny wanted us to know that we should always try to do our best and give our all during our internships. Considering it's the last day of the CQS orientation weekend, I’ll keep those words in mind this summer when I join the Contra Costa Times.

As Jack Marsh (vice president/diversity programs for the Freedom Forum), sitting next to Manny, said a moment later, "Amen, Manny."

-- Brian Aguilar, Summer Scholar, Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., and University of California-Berkeley

Thanks for the memories ...

Karen Catone and Dick Thien

Thank you to everyone for such a special day Saturday. It was wonderful.

You almost made me change my mind about retiring. Almost.

Good luck to each of you this coming year. You are now in a select group –
the Chips Quinn Scholars program. Cherish your time in it and have fun.

Hugs,

-- Dick Thien
:-)

A standing ovation

Alums Manny Lopez, Kristen Go and Nealy Gihan
before their salute to coach Dick Thien.

A well-respected man received a well-deserved tribute today. After 16 years as a career coach with the Chips Quinn program, Dick Thien is retiring. About 50 people crowded into the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute lecture hall this morning to praise the man who has affected so many lives throughout his journalism career. Through "cheers and tears" as (CQS Program Founder) John C. Quinn said at the podium, one speaker after another thanked Dick for his commitment to journalism and for being a wonderful teacher, great friend and loving father. Several of those seated in the room were of the Thien clan, including four of Dick's grandchildren.

Past Chips Quinn Alums also were present to thank their career coach. Manny Lopez (CQS 1994) showed his appreciation for his mentor by donning a sport coat similar to the one Dick has worn for years. Following the tribute and a slide show recounting Dick's career, everyone gave him a worthy standing ovation. New to the CQS family, I never had the opportunity to work with Dick. Yet watching today's emotional celebration of the man, I wish I'd had the chance. Cheers, Dick.

-- Brian Aguilar, Summer Scholar, Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., and University of California-Berkeley

Going to Go for inspiration

It’s hard to believe that Kristen Go, a 1996 and 1997 CQ Scholar, ever felt nervous about starting her internship. That’s just not the type of vibe I get from someone so sharp.

During her session today, she stressed the importance of respecting readers’ time. “You’re competing with time,” Go said. “Make your story worthwhile.”

I used to be one of those students who thought the longer the story, the better. I’ve learned that’s not always the case. Many people don’t have time to read an entire news story that jumps from one page to another, so being able to get to the point and master grabbing readers from the beginning is fundamental in this business. “If you can’t tell them why this story is important, you have some issues with your reporting,” Go said.

She doesn’t hold back. Go, an action-team leader at The Arizona Republic, will tell you how she feels. During the hour-long session, I learned that Go is not fond of anecdotal leads, although one ran in today’s paper but only because she approved it.

She has great respect for the reporters she works with. When asked for an example of one whose work we should be reading, she had a hard time singling out just one reporter. “They are very seasoned,” Go said.

Go makes you want to be one of those “seasoned” reporters.

-- Ashley Anthony, Spring Scholar, The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun and University of Houston

A man I wish I knew

John Quinn thanks Dick Thien for his years of encouragement and support of the CQS program.

I’ll devote my time to talking about Dick Thien – a man I wish I knew. He’s retiring as a career coach with the CQS program. In a bittersweet tribute, everyone talked about how wonderful Dick is and how devoted he was to his students.

The tears got to me. Everyone who talked about him cried: his son, (CQS Program Director) Karen Catone, Kristen Go. It was as if these people got to share something special that my class is missing out on.

It seems like Dick touched almost everyone in that room. I’m not sure what he did. Everyone said he gave honest criticism and a pat on the back and a kick in the pants when needed. We got to touch a tiny piece of him through Karen and everyone else who spoke.

-- Alexandria Burris, reporter, The Daily Advertiser, Lafayette, La., and Louisiana State University

Photographers are journalists, too

Working outside in the chilly Nashville morning, (Spring Scholars) Deanna Dent, Tara Pixley and I practiced lighting with Chris Viola, a photojournalist and Chips Quinn alum. Working in a small group was intimate and I learned a lot.

"Hold the flash a little bit closer... now a little bit to the right," we said to each other as we took turns practicing with transmitters, off-camera flashes and an umbrella.

Chris was a great teacher. He told us about graduating from San Francisco State University, having five internships, job hunting, how to hunt for feature stories and how to light a subject with one off-camera flash. The session will be beneficial to my work in the field at The Oakland Tribune.

After "Lighting 101" we headed to the auditorium for the Loie Legacy Awards. The beautiful ceremony recognized Dick Thien as the amazing human being he is, and left many of us watery-eyed. Hearing from people who know him touched my heart and made me feel as if I know him, too. I talked to the other scholars and all said, "I wish he was my career coach."

Meeting people like him, and like John Quinn and John Seigenthaler (founder of the First Amendment Center), inspire me. They are journalism, and their presence and words urge me to follow in their footsteps toward the pursuit of truth.

-- Diana Diroy, Spring Scholar, The Oakland (Calif.) Tribune and San Jose State University

Tips and words to remember

Today was fun – and educational.

Tara Pixley, Diana Diroy and I were lucky enough to meet with Chris Viola of The Florida Times-Union to learn lighting skills, photographic styles and what to expect during our internships. Every photographer I meet has a million different ways of doing things and tricks and tips that are new to me.

(Career Coach) Mary Ann Hogan gave us good advice. She reminded us that we are who we are, so we just have to deal with it. Those words will be a constant source of reference over the next 12 weeks.

-- Deanna Dent, Spring Scholar, The Bulletin, Bend, Ore., and Arizona State University

What the profs don't tell you

Learning the "Rules of the Room" was a fascinating experience, especially because this topic is not normally discussed in class.

Professors sometimes will tell us what to expect but not really prepare us for the realities of what we will be facing in the newsroom. I believe that professors should teach this valuable information. Learning how to talk to and approach editors and reporters to get their full attention is an important issue, as important as learning to write a lead.

Knowing the written and unwritten rules will be our shield not only in the newsroom but also in the field. We can apply the rules to the interviews we conduct, the meetings we attend and even to the things we do in our personal daily lives. Although many of these rules are based on common sense, it is always good to be reminded of them.

-- Gabriela Gonzalez, Spring Scholar, Ventura County (Calif.) Star and California State University-Northridge

Never stop learning

The most valuable thing I have learned at orientation is to never stop learning. No matter what your skill level is, there is always someone who can teach you something.

I hope to continue to learn every day. When I return to my job at the Argus Leader, I will be sure to ask the people around me for tips and pointers. How could I have improved that story? What would you have done differently?

People look at stories in many different ways. It's not a bad idea to get feedback from a variety of people. I want to take the extra time to ask for feedback from my editors, mentors, peers, readers, family and anyone who is willing to give me pointers to improve my reporting and storytelling.

If you stop learning, life is boring.

-- Craig Henry, online journalist, Argus Leader, Sioux Falls, S.D., and University of Oklahoma

Planning my day, saving my hair

One of my biggest worries going into my internship is juggling a million things, especially with the advent of online journalism. Addressing that concern, one panelist said simply, “Plan your day.”

Other advice: Get into work early and figure out exactly what needs to be done. Give yourself a certain amount of time with each task, prioritizing the stories with the earliest deadlines.

It sounds so common sense, but given the fast pace and urgency of news, it is easy to be thrown into the disarray and start panicking.

Although I like organization, I am not always organized. If I start my day with an idea of what I will do, I won’t be tearing my hair out (at least not my entire head’s worth) when I suddenly get a breaking news story or am inching uncomfortably close to a deadline.

My day will start the night before, making sure to prepare lunch ahead of time if I know I can’t break away from the desk, or fill up my gas tank if I’m going to be doing a lot of traveling the next day.

I will arrive at the newsroom at least 10 minutes early each morning, sit at my desk and draft an itinerary, scribbling down the names, numbers or addresses of sources so I can have everything in one place. I know my workload and experience at the paper will be much more manageable with this approach.

I don’t want to go bald before I even get my first job.

-- Kellie Hwang, Spring Scholar, The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, and University of Washington

Moments of human connection

John Quinn with Scholars (left to right) Mariecar Mendoza, Craig Henry, Stephanie Armenta, Connie Llanos and Ashley Anthony.

I have learned so many things during the past 56 hours at Chips Quinn orientation.

I have learned about the First Amendment from a man who not only embodies all that it stands for, John Seigenthaler, but also who is passionate about preserving it. His energy was truly inspiring.

I have learned that there are things about a career in journalism that I really didn’t understand until this trip. Given the challenges that our field is facing, it has been informative and refreshing to see so many talented journalists, working, retired, and those who have moved on to executive positions, who still believe in the future of journalism.

Learning about the five graphs from Kristen Go was great. I plan to use those principles immediately in my writing.

I have written to my web editor to let him know that as a result of my Chips Quinn experience, I have some material to bring to the discussion of online media in our newsroom. I was afraid of applying for a spot on the recently announced online team, fearing it would be perceived as arrogance to assume I belonged on that team. Now I am confident that I have something to offer.

Ironically, it is not the lessons on journalism that I will take with me after we leave tomorrow.

Karen Catone, Kristen Smith (administrative assistant with the CQS program), Jack Marsh (vice president/diversity programs for the Freedom Forum) and the lovely and charming John Quinn have repeatedly mentioned how we are now a part of a family. That is a statement often said yet rarely displayed.

Today, as I watched the tears flow during the tribute to Dick Thien, I could not help but cry, too.
But my tears were not sad. I cried because moments like that, moments of human connection, are so hard to find.

I thought about my connection to someone I have never met. As I heard Mr. Quinn talk about his son Chips, I couldn't help but think how incredible it would have been to meet and talk with him. Yet his memory will live on through my career, as it has in the careers of 1,033 journalists in the last 16 years. I hope to make him proud.

-- Connie Llanos, reporter, Daily News, Los Angeles, and California State University-Northridge

A network of support

This morning I got a text message from Chips Quinn alum Erik Lacayo, now of The Fresno Bee, that said: “I read your CQ blog. Stop whining.”

I’ve known Erik since high school, when we both worked for our school’s paper, The Raider Review, so I read that text and laughed. I laughed because one, I know he wishes he were here and two, he’s working on a Saturday.

On a more serious note, the text reminded me of how important it is to stay in contact with people you know in the business.

As I look around me, at my fellow Chipsters, I’m excited by the idea that one day I can be working with one of them (or for them).

Sure, the journalism world can be cutthroat, but it’s nice to know that I’ve got at least 14 Chipsters, Mary Ann Hogan, John Quinn, Kristen Go and so many others associated with this unique program to lean on, look up to and learn from. You guys will forever be a part of my career.

P.S. For the record, I keep in touch with Erik because he’s Erik and not just because he’s a journalist – honest.

-- Mariecar Mendoza, reporter, The Desert Sun, Palm Springs, Calif., and California Polytechnic State University

A toast to learning

I received, yet again, another epiphany: I believe I was over thinking online reporting.

After hearing about the fast pace of the online world and the immediate demand for a story written quickly, I began to worry. Was I going to be able to keep up? Could I truly handle writing two to three stories a day and briefs and online updates?

Sometimes I do my best work under pressure. But there are times when the weight makes me feel as though I’m sinking into the ground.

After the class with my career coach, Mary Ann Hogan, I realized online updates are not supposed to be complex or even stressful. The key word is simple. Be quick, concise and accurate, and that’s all. Don’t worry about inventing the perfect, most articulate lead—just give the facts. Think “Dragnet” and everything will be OK.

On a different subject, I loved the first five graphs session with Chipster alum Kristen Go. I’m all about bulleting and Kristen gave me exactly that. The first five paragraphs of a story should include the news, context, impact and human dimension. That’s all. Simple. Precise. Easy to remember.

I never had it broken down that plainly for me before. I knew that those aspects needed to be included in the story, but I never knew exactly how to arrange them. Scary thought, considering I just graduated.

It’s interesting—in a sad and disturbing way—that I’ve learned more in the last four days than I learned in some of my classes. I found that the classroom instruction at my college didn’t get to the nuts and bolts of story breakdown.

Writing is a learning experience. I figure if I don’t learn something new every day, I’m not truly living. Here’s to living.

-- Maria Miranda, reporter, Madera (Calif.) Tribune, and California State University-Fresno

Tips, stories and ... relief

It's rare to find photographers who are willing to break things down for you and share details about life and photography in equal amounts. So the opportunity to converse with a fun and informative fellow shooter this morning was a treat. I learned a few tricks of the trade, heard a few funny stories and felt a great deal of relief.

It's easy to get caught up in the seriousness of photography and the pressure to get a great shot that everyone will think is amazing. I'm sure it's a lot to have hanging over your head when you're a seasoned photojournalist, but as a young photographer, it's downright terrifying.

Concerns about what your editor and every other photographer viewing your work thinks of it can cloud your other purposes. Obsessing over exposure, content and speed takes so much out of you there's little time to enjoy the experience of doing this awesome job.

Underneath all the pressure, self-imposed and otherwise, is the distant memory of magazines and newspapers strewn about, allowing me to soak up the images featured on the pages. Sunday mornings used to find my father and me flipping through a National Geographic while I stared, wide-eyed and wondering if I could ever create something so beautiful. Photography was a passion of mine before I could say the word passion.

I’m now trying to get to where I can live my dream of making my passion my livelihood. I appreciate any smiling face or bent ear I meet along this journey. It's so much easier to forge onward when you know you have allies. After this morning, I feel a little less nervous, a little less alone and a lot more excited. Here's to allies.

--Tara-Lynne S. Pixley, Spring Scholar, The Greenville (S.C.) News

A case of reach exceeding grasp

The most valuable thing I learned at orientation is that attitude and the desire to learn are as important, if not more so, than any specific journalism skill or piece of knowledge.

Just a few months ago, I tinkered with the idea of applying to science graduate school. I love science research and have done it enough to feel confident that I could do well in that field. I majored in biopsychology, conducted research for years, presented at conferences, taught junior high science and wrote chapters for a science textbook.

Journalism, however, is a different story: I took only a few journalism classes while abroad. I don't know AP style (yet). And I have never written for a daily newspaper, not even a college paper.

It's a bit scary to leave something that I was happy, comfortable and successful with to pursue something so uncertain. But something tells me that there's a chance that I'll love newspaper journalism.

The thrill of writing for a newspaper, the opportunity to educate a general audience about science, and being a part of an exciting, rapidly changing environment (including the incorporation of new media), makes this path worth it for me.

I've realized here that it's OK that I have less journalism experience than my Chips Quinn Scholars cohort. It’s OK that I likely will have less experience than other interns at my paper. It's OK because I have goals that I'm passionate and excited about. I'm willing to learn and work as hard as I can to develop the skills to accomplish those goals – and that's what's important.

I'll leave here with less nervous energy and fears, more confidence and excitement and a new group of friends and. Thank you.

-- Cathy Tran, Spring Scholar, The Orange County (Calif.) Register

The First Amendment -- and a trip to China

John Seigenthaler gave us a wonderful talk about the First Amendment yesterday. I was not only amazed by him but also by the amount of information he gave us.

It was hard to grasp all the information at the time. Now that I’ve had time to reflect on and think about this training and my coming trip to China, I understand that the First Amendment is the most powerful tool we as journalists have.

During the last two weeks, I’ve been doing as much research as I can before I travel to China in May. My reporting class requires us to complete a 10-minute story for radio about an issue in China.

The more I read about China, the more nervous I’ve become. China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, but it is still a communist state. China does not have freedom of the press; because of that, more journalists are in jail there than in any other country. Having to deal with a language barrier and with censorship will be challenging.

I plan to find sources before I travel, seeking help in overcoming the barriers from journalists who have worked in China. (CQS Program Coordinator) Michelle Hedenskoog has promised to give me the contact information for some Chips Quinn alumni who have traveled to China. I also want to pursue and meet with experts here in the United States who might be able to put me in touch with people in China.

-- Maria Ines Zamudio, Summer 2007 Scholar, Springfield (M0.) News-Leader