TipToeing Into Journalism

Topic One

I blame Brené Brown, Mel Robbins, Glennon Doyle, Sarah Knight, and a few more.  Being a fan of self-help books, I feel very versed on stretching my boundaries and undertaking things I've always wanted to do but have just been too afraid to try.  Entré JN 216.  I've always wanted to take a journalism course, but have never had the opportunity, and quite frankly have always doubted if I can do well in. Until now! I am a Practical Business Management major in my final term here at Linn Benton Community College.  I was able to return to school by way of the Trade Act - a government re-training program.  At 50 years old with a family of five to support, the undertaking has been daunting to say the least, but we've made it and are able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

With only needing two more classes to fulfill my major, I was able to take a course simply because I wanted to. Writing is a passion of mine and I am always looking to enhance my skills, but when working towards my bachelors in the 90s, I had already taken every writing course known to man (or at least Washington State University). Every course that is EXCEPT journalism. It was the one course I had never been brave enough to try. When I saw an opportunity to stretch myself in JN 216, I jumped on it. Journalism seems to encompass a whole gambit of writing styles.  From opinion pieces, persuasive writing, argumentative pieces to just the facts, there are truly so many ways to skin a cat and journalism seems to embody all of them. And while I cannot wait to dig in and learn, I am nervous. I tend to be more of a fluff writer.  Not to the extreme of some, but more than what journalism often will allow.  Will I be a good fit? Am I the writer I think I am?  As they say in the Disney film Luca...Silenzio, Bruno! Push through and find out what I'm made of.

When not writing or reading, I can be found with my family.  They are my true joys in this world and I am crazy about them. Jessica, my wife, is the best partner I could ever ask for.  She is so intelligent and quick-witted that I am constantly kept on my toes.  She's a wonderful mother to our three children.  Our oldest, Marc, is 21 years old and currently attending Job Corp in Astoria, OR.  He is pursuing carpentry as a trade and is making us so proud.  Our middle child, Peter, is 19 years old and a freshman here at LBCC.  You can see her beautiful smile in the Roast Runners Café where she is a barista. You can't miss her gorgeous auburn hair and big brown eyes.  Tell her that her mama says hi! Up until two years ago, Peter was our youngest.  In 2021, however, Jess gave birth to the queen of our family.  Miss Charley Reynolds was born on Superbowl Sunday and has been my football pal ever since. She is 23 months old and is learning to talk.  She has all of us big people wrapped around her little pinky and can get us to do her bidding with just a little grin.  These people I've just shared with you are my why!  They are why I get up and go to class. Why I want to better myself and my career.  They are my most fervent passion.

Topic 2 

At my heart, I am a writer.  I have been writing for 20+ years, but have never dabbled in the world of journalism.  This is a first, and, quite frankly, is outside of my comfort zone.  Well, the interviewing portion of journalism anyway.  And while I am experiencing a bit of imposter syndrome, I am excited to stretch as a person. With that in mind, here are my three goals for the term:  1) Enhance my writing skills, 2) To overcome my anxiety and get the interview, and 3) Earn my "A."

Topic 3

For my first story, I will be focusing on the LBCC Choir.  I will be speaking with choir director, Raymond Ocampo, and two of the choir members to be named at a later date. I will be asking for specific details concerning the upcoming concert, how the choir is coming together, what are the challenges post pandemic to building a program, future goals for the choir, what music genre will they focus on.