Week 45: The Journalism Student

I'm in the newspaper, and it's thanks to a journalism student who worked this summer at my local paper. This happened because I emailed the paper to tell them about an upcoming event -- trekking on the Great Wall of China to raise money for Special Olympics.

I wasn't sure if the paper would want to write about it, but then I got a call from one of the journalism interns working there. The young woman who interviewed me asked great questions, ones that made me think about why the event is important to me.

Her questions prompted me to make a decision to change my approach to community service. In the past, I've done various physical challenges to raise money and done other things to support organizations financially. Talking with this woman made me realize I wanted to be more hands on. As a result, I contacted my local Special Olympics organization and I will join the ranks of local volunteers, helping out at practices and meets.

I was really happy to see an online article and the print one you see here -- front page and above the fold! I'm even happier to know that the interview changed me and spurred me to take action in the county where I live. This was an unexpected outcome and one I greatly appreciate.