Got home a little while ago from Manhattanville College, where I teach an intro to journalism course every Thursday night. This is the first time I’ve been a professor and, I’ve gotta say—LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it. Love everything about it. The students in my class are terrific. The subject is one I’m passionate about. The discussions … reading their homework projects … seeing improvement. Man, just a blast for me.
In the course of my four years at the University of Delaware, my journalism instructors were a mixed bag. Some had worked at newspapers loooooong ago, and—despite good intentions—it was hard for a 20-year-old to relate. Others, however, blew me away. To learn from people like Chuck Stone and Bill Fleischman and Ted Spiker, just blissful.
I hope that’s what I offer these kids: Genuine experience, with the stories to match. Plus, I genuinely adore journalism. The flaws are many, but it’s a trade I’ve long been addicted to. The sight of your byline atop a story. Landing a perfect quote. Getting assigned to write something unique. Visiting the lives of others.
Babbling once again.
Oy.
