John Hunt

Perhaps the most important thing learned away from this semester is to double-check my work. I’ve also learned to more critical of my own work, while accepting criticism from others. I started pursuing a career in journalism with the idea that If one is not willing to accept criticism, they are going to have a tough career.

One of the most encouraging moments this semester about criticism centered toward me occurred in my J-345 class. When we learned how to write columns, Terry Hutchins invited Bob Kravitz to talk about his experiences and background in writing. Considering how much I respect and admire Kravitz, the fact that he was critiquing the small details gave me confidence that my writing was structurally sound.

I also loved attending the slice and dice session. I hope the criticism I received about my work and resume will make me more competitive in the job market. I was thrilled when one of the professionals there went over my resume with a fine-tooth comb. I know I learn best from criticism, rather than being babied into an answer.

I like how taking the editing class helped me look for the small details in my own work, making my writing more fluid and active. I shudder at the amount of times I used passive words like “to be” in the past and how I look for the different tenses in my current writing.

The editing class also taught me to be more careful when looking over my own work. Earlier in the semester, I looked back at some of my work from earlier semesters. It was interesting to see my own progression. Comparing some of the different pieces, they look like two different people wrote them.

I also learned a lot about professional development and creating and updating my portfolio. Until this semester, my portfolio only consisted of several printed photographs and computer prints of stories I wrote. Maggie Balough made a special point to emphasize how important it is to create a digital portfolio.

Part of creating a digital portfolio is actually understanding what programs might be helpful and how those programs are used. Before this semester, I only had a basic knowledge of programs like Microsoft Word. Through the editing class, I now feel comfortable using Word for everything from editing to organizing class notes and editing.

Another helpful program I learned about through the editing class was the Jing program. I signed up for the subscription and I have already used the program for two different class projects. I plan on using Jing not only to show edit

procedures, but it looks as though it will be helpful with my photography classes. Using Jing, I will now be able to add audio captions to photos and written work.

I think this class helped me develop as a writer and an editor. Whether or not the class is required, I think every student interested in pursuing a career in journalism should take the editing class. It helped me look at written work more critically.