Going in with a plan – and staying flexible

I'm nervous and excited. I'm beginning to outline exactly what I want out of my internship. I want to go in with a plan but maintain a lot of flexibility. Mary Ann Hogan is a tremendous career coach and I am going to make an effort to stay in contact with her throughout my internship and journalism career. One of today’s panelists bounced from a career as a florist to journalism. This is interesting because while I have a passion for spreading information, I sometimes think about switching to a field that has to do with economics, finance or urban planning. But since I plan on living a long life I will do it all. I cannot get over how great this experience has been. The people are helpful and the students are open and friendly.

-- Renita Burns, Temple University, Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle

Juggling work and play

(Scholar) Tony Gonzalez dropped by my room Saturday night to see if I wanted to go juggling with him and a Vanderbilt student he met over the Internet. It had been years since I juggled seriously. Self-taught by Juggling for the Complete Klutz in middle school, I used to juggle fruit during high school to get some smiles (or looks of pity). In college, I wanted to focus on my studies and work for campus media, so I stopped juggling. I jumped at the chance to revisit an old hobby. Tony, (Scholars) Daniel Davis, Megan Gordon and I walked over to the Vandy campus to meet at the chosen location, a spooky, isolated portico in the middle of a deserted campus that made me extremely conscious of the amount of money I had in my wallet. But my fears were unfounded; Jacob arrived on time, towing behind him a suitcase full of juggling pins. Tony quickly taught Daniel and Megan how to juggle balls, and gave me some tips on how I could juggle pins. Tony blew our minds with a complicated routine he did with Jacob, passing six, seven and then eight pins.

Because of this little adventure, I will contact the juggling club when I return to school in the fall and learn how to juggle pins.

-- Stuart Woo, Brown University, The Providence (R.I.) Journal

A once-daunting mission now seems doable

The program portion of the Chips Quinn program isn’t fluff — it’s all about throwing down on journalism. In one weekend, hard-hitting speakers and thought-evoking exercises hyped up the scholars like a boxing coach in the corner of a ring. From the First Amendment to the first five graphs, the program’s content awakened a sense of urgency in the scholars — to freely reveal the truth to the public and to work vigorously toward mastering the craft.

On the verge of our internships, we carry with us the voices and spirit of dedication from the Chips Quinn leaders, making the success of this big, daunting mission seem, well, possible.

-- Donna Lee, University of California-Berkeley, Sacramento City College, Statesman Journal, Salem, Ore.

Lessons to remember

When I start my internship at the Star Tribune next week, I will take with me so many ideas and suggestions from this weekend. As journalists, we never can be reminded enough about the importance of accuracy, the freedoms of the First Amendment or the ethical responsibilities we are given as we do our work. We also can never forget – even in the midst of our healthy, journalistic skepticism – to feel a story's depth or emotion, especially in times of crisis or tragedy. (Freedom Forum’s First Amendment Center vice president) Gene Policinski touched on this important point during the “Freedom Sings” presentation.

-- Mary Hudetz, University of Montana, Fordham University, Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minn.

An inspiring alum

The New York Times? Check!

Twenty-six years old? Check!

Listings editor for the newspaper’s Culture section? Check!

Minority? Check!

(Alum) LaSharah Bunting (shown at right) is all of the above and more. She will always be an inspiration to me because she proves that you don’t have to settle. LaSharah is honest and real with a capital “r.”

I want to thank all the Chips Quinn alums and administration for their time and expertise. The information, contacts and all the Chipsters were a blessing. The orientation is one experience I will carry with me throughout my life. Becoming a great journalist is in my future. Thank you, Chips Quinn.

-- Jamaal Johnson, San Francisco State University, The Oakland (Calif.) Tribune

A full notebook

At the end of the First Amendment presentation by John Seigenthaler and Ken Paulson, they presented results of a survey of Chipsters. The survey asked if we thought we had too much freedom, along with questions about the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment. It was interesting to hear the results of a larger survey that one in four Americans believes that we have too much freedom. I'm still trying to digest what that means to me.

My notebook is almost full. The panelists and mentors have done a supreme job of giving me noteworthy tips to carry with me and apply forever.

--Natasha Robinson, Wayne State University, The Associated Press, Richmond, Va.

My comfort zone renewed

What I see in this program: Humorous, spontaneous, articulate, colorful, driven, open-minded and goal-oriented young professionals. Just like me. I see comfort. I’m experiencing many new things in this short amount of time. I'm warming up to 44 people quickly. They are as passionate and determined about their futures as I am. It’s amazing; I’m taking it all in and loving it.

Before I was named a Chips Quinn Scholar, I went through a doubtful period -- doubting my talents and place in the newsroom. But after being here, my confidence has been restored. I have a burst of energy I haven’t felt in a long time. I’m super sad to leave, but I will go back home knowing that I’m not alone in the journey to becoming a successful journalist.

-- Natalie Gilmore, Austin Peay State University, and

copy editor, Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader