Back to the newsroom … The NAHJ newsroom

Now, I remember why I’ve always loved journalism. Why I still love journalism, although I may not be in a newsroom full-time anymore. And why I decided to combine my love of the craft with the joy of working with students.

A week on the NAHJ student projects will do that to me. The seven days always pass in a blur of frantic activity, closely-averted crisis, connections that are made quickly but last a lifetime, and moments of sheer panic followed by moments of utter pride. It is an experience that changes anyone who’s been lucky enough to participate – mentors and students alike. It certainly changed me.

Working as a mentor on the student projects led me to my  new career in teaching. Once I experienced the magic of working with a young journalist and watching as their copy went from raw to polished, watching as they went from tentative novice to confident reporter, watching the spark of accomplishment and fire light up in their eyes, I knew that I wanted to make a shift from the newsroom to the classroom.

This year was no different. I am walking away exhausted, as always, but filled with such pride and inspiration. It never ceases to amaze me that a disparate collection of students and mentors from far-reaching corners of the country can walk into an empty cavern of a room as strangers on a Sunday, transform that space into a fully-equipped, fully-functioning newsroom, and emerge as a family just a short week later.

There are moments of frustration and moments of exhilaration. There are some tears and always much laughter. There are clear successes and a few stories that fall just a bit short. This year, there were even a few gritos. But there is also learning and growth and an abundance of affection, determination and commitment.

Just like in a real newsroom. Just like real life. Our experiences are what we make of them, and in turn, what they make us. Working on the student projects makes me a better journalist, a better person and I hope, a better teacher.