Happy opening day everyone!
Normally I would be down there at the ball park, letting all the pitchers know
that they are indeed, nothing more then belly itchers, but I was out of work
yesterday with a sprain and so I have to go to work today. I am a responsible
lady. Even though the sweet call of Tiger Stadium calls me home to the city of
my birth (No, I will not call it Comerica park, especially since Comerica
barely even has offices in town anymore. I'm not a fan of naming ballparks
after industries. The only time it is acceptable is for Fenway.)
I've also registered for classes, though there are no journalism classes in the
summer this semester as they are revamping the entire program. I was majoring in both
Electronic Media and Journalism (basically a double major) but now they're
creating a new JSS (Journalism and Screen Studies) program, meaning everyone,
whether they want to or not, will have an electronic journalism education. I am
all for this, I'm just bummed that they created this new great major right
before I graduate! But it's fine; I've pretty much taken all the classes they
are offering for this major.
If you are interested in my Fall line up, here it is. The best part? All of
these classes are at night! So I'll be able to transition to a real job from
school fairly seamlessly.
History of American Journalism
Writing and Producing Electronic Media
Intro to Screen Studies
Intro to Essential Journalism
I actually skipped intro to journalism so I could take Advanced Journalism this
semester. I know how to write a lede and a nut graph after all. Yet, I need the
credit to graduate, so I shall be taking an intro class to something I already
know how to do! It's silly, but there's no test out for news writing.
Also I'm happy to report that being copy editor at The Michigan Journal is
still a barrel of laughs, though most of the editors aren't coming back next semester.
It's a difficult job, but it means moving up in the ranks for me. I'm hoping to
get perspectives editor, which would be a sweet gig. I already write a perspectives
column every week. Some weeks lately I have two or three columns just to help
fill space! I don't get it, why are there journalism students in my school who
refuse to practice actual journalism? Do they think they're going to pop out
into the world, fully formed and fledged, and become ace reporters? In
journalism, it's experience that counts. While working on the MJ isn't exactly
covering the mayoral race, it's still work in writing, editing, layout, and the
works.
It really frustrates me. It's sad to see so many kids giving up on the dream of
being journalists as well because all they're told is that the industry is
dying. It's not dying, it's changing in fundamental ways, and it's going to be
really exciting to see what happens. This is a bigger change then when
Guttenberg started his printing press. I know that may seem like I'm glorifying
the Internet a bit, but really consider how it has fundamentally changed out
lives. It's really incredible.
As for me, there's no more exciting place to be than a journalist right now,
right here. Detroit is a great city to flex those writing and news finding
muscles. I guess I'm just more enthusiastic about journalism then most, but
then you can usually find me at my post in the library reading Columbia
Journalism Review and The Economist.
Oh, and I'm still at the radio station. I was laid off for about three days and
the hired me back to host and do weekend board operations. You can hear me from
5 am to noon Saturday and Sunday. Plus I have a story go out over the airwaves
every once and a while still. Hopefully I'll be able to get back into that
soon.
Take care all. Enjoy this wonderful spring day!
