New Beginnings

In my Advanced News class, I have learned how to write better by focusing on the topic of my stories. At times, my ideas were too broad, leaving my story unfocused. By asking more follow-up questions to people about the topics, I was able to make my ideas concise.  My grammar and use of AP style is usually good and does not much correction. I will be attending the University of Northern Colorado for one more year, which will give me more time to develop my writing abilities.

As of now I do not think I am fully ready to work in the real world of journalism, but that is what experience is for. I am currently the arts and editor’s assistant at the school’s newspaper The Mirror, and will also be interning at the city’s local newspaper the Greeley Tribune this summer. The Tribune should give me firsthand experience of what the newsroom is like and what editors expect from their reporters.

The school’s journalism and mass communications program is good for practice. I have learned to get over my fears of talking to strangers when covering a story because it is part of the job. The teachers do a good job of teaching how stories are written and how to cover beats. One thing the journalism department should watch is who they hire to teach some courses. In some classes I have to teach myself the material to pass, when it should be the other way around.

2012 Election: Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney

The primaries are nearing its end as Mitt Romney is predicted to be the victor as the Republican Party’s nominee for 2012 presidential election.

           

Recently, contender Rick Santorum dropped out of the race for the presidential bid on April 10 in his home state of Pa. while giving a speech. It is speculated that Santorum dropped out due his daughter Bella’s sickness with a life-threatening disease called Trisomy 18. Also, polls in his state showed a decrease in approval for the candidate.

           

During his 14-minute speech in Gettysburg, Santorum made no official endorsement of Romney.

           

Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul are still in the race for the bid as they tie for second in polls, with 10 percent approval each. Romney’s approval greatly surpasses theirs with 42 percent.

         

As the primaries have progressed, Romney has shown to do better in states on the coasts and metropolitan areas. The northeast in particular, has been a strong area for the him, with wins in Maine, Mass., Md., N.H., Va. and Vt. On April 24, primaries will be held in five northeastern states: Conn., Del., N.Y., Penn. and R.I. All of these states are in Romney territory. If the pattern continues, Romney will win all of these states Tuesday.

            

With 651 delegates already won, Romney needs only 493 to secure his position as the Republican nominee. Since his main competition, Santorum, left the race with 275 delegates, the remainder of the campaign will run smoother for Romney.

And with endorsements from a wide range of well-known Republicans such as Rudy Giuliani, George H.W. and Barbara Bush and John McCain, the party is starting to rally around Romney.

Experience Brings Excellence

As a young journalist, I currently have the opportunity to work at the school’s newspaper, The Mirror. While working there, I have learned ways to approach stories, as well as writing them. The first story that I ever wrote for the paper deeply worried me, since I wanted it to come out well. It was about a comedian who had a connection with UNC’s Student Radio.

Even though I spent a great amount of life on this story, I can admit that it is probably only of average quality. I had minimal experience in newswriting up until then, so I think it showed. My experience in class and writing more for the paper has helped me to get better, but I believe that even if I write something that is good, there are always changes that could be made to the story to make it better.

At this point, I have had four stories published at The Mirror.

The third story I wrote was assigned to me at the last minute, requiring me to attend an event at my school and listen to two people speak about their love lives. When I left, I had an idea for the story planned out and surprisingly to me it was the next issue's front cover story. I felt good seeing my story on the front page, but I also received the most critique for it than my others. My editor discussed that I took the approach of only summarizing what the people said at the event, rather than reporting everything about the event.

His helpfulness has guided me to look at stories more broadly, which I felt I did a better job at in my most recent story.

Though I do not particularly enjoy covering arts events whatsoever, I do enjoy covering some of the entertainment stories. I am disinterested in art, but more into covering politics. Our school doesn’t have a politics section, but hopefully I can help make some changes at the paper when I become the arts and entertainment editor next year.

Romney Reigns Richeous

This past week was crucial for Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, in the race for the Republican presidential nominee. In early February, Santorum’s wins in the Colorado and Minnesota caucuses seemed to bruise Romney’s standing as the race’s frontrunner. Back during the 2008 Republican primary season, Romney had won both of these states.

In the weeks leading up to the Michigan and Arizona primaries, Santorum was reported as the leader in Michigan, while Arizona seemed more of Romney’s territory.

Although Arizona was expected to go to Romney, a loss for him in Michigan would have been damaging to his campaign.

Mitt Romney was born in Detroit in 1947. Mitt’s history with the state goes back to his father’s work with the auto industry and his time as Governor of Michigan.

Both Romney and Santorum campaigned heavily within the state in the weeks prior to the primary. For Santorum, a win in Michigan meant that his position as frontrunner would be stay solid. As for Romney, the win would mean redemption from losing states he previously had won, while a loss in his home state would be an embarrassment to his presidential campaign.

Santorum’s lead began to decrease after the Republican debate took place in Mesa, Ariz. on February 22, six days before the primary in Michigan. During the debate, Romney’s ability to rebut outshined Santorum who was described as looking unprepared. As the week progressed, Santorum’s lead in the polls decreased by eight points, from 34 percent approval to 26, while Romney’s increased from 27 to 32.

The primary in Michigan was close between the two main contenders, however more voters supported Romney at the booth. Mitt Romney won Michigan narrowly with roughly 41 percent of the vote. Santorum trailed with just under 38 percent.

As of now, Romney has the advantage for this upcoming Super Tuesday as his approval has increased to 35 percent. On March 6, 10 states will be holding their primaries and caucuses. This will give the American public a clearer idea of who will be debating President Obama this Fall.

Becoming a Professional

My experience as a journalist began last semester when I began reporting for The Mirror. I wrote a few articles about events and artists for the arts and entertainment section. At the beginning of this semester, I was offered and took the position to be trained by an editor at the paper, so that I can take his place after he graduates this year.

Even though I’ve never covered a beat before, I am excited to cover the 2012 election and the primaries. Politics has become like a religion to me since I keep up with polls on a daily basis. Since researching the election, I have learned that citizens can also be involved in caucuses like they can in primaries. During my reporting, I hope to gain better knowledge of politics and the election process.

Through my experience as a reporter I have learned that my strength is  my ability to write. Since I was younger I feel like I always had a talent with putting my voice and wit into my papers. My weakness as a journalist is sometimes reporting. Although I am a social person in general, I have a hard time talking to strangers. At this point, I feel it is time to get over these fears.

Blogging to me is like keeping a diary. What I like about blogging is that it allows the people around me to keep up with what I’m doing. I also get to reflect on what I am doing in life and it gives me more time to do what I think I am best at: writing.