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.