I worked in newsrooms as a staff writer for nearly seven years, and in one week, the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute transformed me into a digital journalist.
The multimedia training for Chips Quinn Scholars and alumni that I received from Val Hoeppner, manager of multimedia education for the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute, Anne Medley, multimedia journalist, and Danese Kenon, photojournalist with The Indianapolis Star, far exceeded my expectations. They and the Freedom Forum have equipped me with the skills I need to survive as a journalist in a digital age. The five-day training program led by Hoeppner was comprehensive, organized and well orchestrated.
I came to the seminar with no experience in producing digital projects. Nada. It almost seems surreal that after one week of intensive, hands-on training, I can use Final Cut Pro, Audacity and other software programs to produce video and audio slide shows.
I leave Nashville, Tenn., with a brighter future because I now have means in addition to print -- video, photography and sound -- by which to tell compelling stories. That is a tremendous amount more than I had before.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Becoming a multimedia storyteller
Coming into this program, I was overwhelmed by the bad news that has overtaken the industry. It was tough knowing that I would be graduating with a degree in journalism and this was the environment I would be entering. Needless to say, I’m feeling better about it now.
Jack Marsh, Freedom Forum vice president of diversity programs, was amazing to listen to when he spoke (and sang, for those of you lucky enough to hear him at the Wild Horse Saloon). CQS program Co-founder John Quinn was always there for great conversation and inspiration—along with a good laugh. Val Hoeppner and Anne Medley of the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute’s multimedia team and Danese Kenon of the Indianapolis Star were always there for some of the best mentoring I’ve experienced. In fact, everyone I’ve met at the Diversity Institute has been incredible.
Before I arrived, I knew nothing of multimedia aside from taking a few mediocre shots on a small digital camera. Now I know how to shoot an event, download it and make a story. I even tried Twittering—which is not as terrifying as you might think.
I will never forget my fellow Chipsters, working on the stories, compiling videos, being a world champion, visiting B.B. King’s diner and everything else that I loved about this experience.
Jack Marsh, Freedom Forum vice president of diversity programs, was amazing to listen to when he spoke (and sang, for those of you lucky enough to hear him at the Wild Horse Saloon). CQS program Co-founder John Quinn was always there for great conversation and inspiration—along with a good laugh. Val Hoeppner and Anne Medley of the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute’s multimedia team and Danese Kenon of the Indianapolis Star were always there for some of the best mentoring I’ve experienced. In fact, everyone I’ve met at the Diversity Institute has been incredible.
Before I arrived, I knew nothing of multimedia aside from taking a few mediocre shots on a small digital camera. Now I know how to shoot an event, download it and make a story. I even tried Twittering—which is not as terrifying as you might think.
I will never forget my fellow Chipsters, working on the stories, compiling videos, being a world champion, visiting B.B. King’s diner and everything else that I loved about this experience.
Looking ahead
I arrived at this orientation and training without expectations. Today I leave with a set of goals and enthusiasm that I would have never been able to generate on my own. I feel refreshed and inspired, and most important, resilient.
I found out this morning that I was rejected for a prestigious, competitive fellowship that I had applied for. After the initial disappointment (following a two-month application process), I feel excited to have a door open again that had been hinging on this decision.
A lot of reporters who went through the multimedia training this week have said that they are no longer afraid to tinker with equipment that once intimidated them. I no longer feel intimidated by the application process. I have the most specialized equipment in the world -- good contacts, editors and mentors -- to guide me.
Being uncertain about where I'll end up in the next couple of months is kind of exciting. I know that after this experience, I won't only have help in applying for future internships and jobs. I'll also have a lot of different couches to crash on in many different places. And that's just as important to me.
I have learned so much and love you all.
I found out this morning that I was rejected for a prestigious, competitive fellowship that I had applied for. After the initial disappointment (following a two-month application process), I feel excited to have a door open again that had been hinging on this decision.
A lot of reporters who went through the multimedia training this week have said that they are no longer afraid to tinker with equipment that once intimidated them. I no longer feel intimidated by the application process. I have the most specialized equipment in the world -- good contacts, editors and mentors -- to guide me.
Being uncertain about where I'll end up in the next couple of months is kind of exciting. I know that after this experience, I won't only have help in applying for future internships and jobs. I'll also have a lot of different couches to crash on in many different places. And that's just as important to me.
I have learned so much and love you all.
Graduation
The feeling in the pit of my stomach is not unlike the one I had when I graduated from college. It's strange to compare eight days with four and a half years, but very fitting. We have learned lessons and tools that will help us with what's ahead. We have built contacts and lasting relationships. We’ve spent long nights glued to a computer screen and gained 15 pounds eating at the cafeteria.
I feel as if we're ready to take on the world. I could have gone into an internship without being part of the Chips Quinn Scholars program and still have done fairly well, but nothing compares to the knowledge we have gained here and how much more we can do with it. Nashville, you will be missed.
I feel as if we're ready to take on the world. I could have gone into an internship without being part of the Chips Quinn Scholars program and still have done fairly well, but nothing compares to the knowledge we have gained here and how much more we can do with it. Nashville, you will be missed.
Renewed commitment
When I arrived in Nashville, I was scared.
I found myself weary about the future of journalism, about why I still wanted to pursue it, and wondering if maybe I was on the brink of insanity for wanting to plunge into this industry despite all the warnings.
That’s no longer the case. And I know I'm not alone, thanks to the training, laughs and fun I've had in eight short days. Even though I'm more sleep-deprived than ever, I'll never forget this experience. I'll use the information I've learned and communicate with the friends I've gained for the rest of my career. I can return to Oregon with a new sense of purpose for myself and my newsroom. I've said this over and over, but now I'm armed with the tools and the energy to be a great intern and an even better journalist.
I'm going to volunteer for everything I can, work on audio and my photography in my spare time, and make sure every story I tell is fresh.
It may sound corny, but I'm also going to keep the little pieces of energy from each of you close to my heart, where it belongs. Thanks for the inspiration.
I found myself weary about the future of journalism, about why I still wanted to pursue it, and wondering if maybe I was on the brink of insanity for wanting to plunge into this industry despite all the warnings.
That’s no longer the case. And I know I'm not alone, thanks to the training, laughs and fun I've had in eight short days. Even though I'm more sleep-deprived than ever, I'll never forget this experience. I'll use the information I've learned and communicate with the friends I've gained for the rest of my career. I can return to Oregon with a new sense of purpose for myself and my newsroom. I've said this over and over, but now I'm armed with the tools and the energy to be a great intern and an even better journalist.
I'm going to volunteer for everything I can, work on audio and my photography in my spare time, and make sure every story I tell is fresh.
It may sound corny, but I'm also going to keep the little pieces of energy from each of you close to my heart, where it belongs. Thanks for the inspiration.
Avoiding the swamp
I sit in Swamp Central, USA, at my newspaper.
To my right: "I have nothing, no family, no wife, no kids. What will I do if I get laid off. My dogs are getting too old to hike."
To my left-rear: "Oh kiddo, let me tell you something about how newspapers used to be."
Behind me: "Honey, you're still young. You can go back to school for another degree. You have to be looking into that."
It's hard to keep my chin up at work and stay focused. I find myself checking requirements for nursing school while waiting for my stories to get edited.
After spending a week at the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute my attitude has changed. I'm recharged and ready to go back.
This time, I'm going to get out of the office as much as possible -- with a video camera.
After five days of working with Val Hoeppner and Anne Medley of the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute’s multimedia team, and Danese Kenon of the Indianapolis Star, in "Multimedia Boot Camp: Bet-you-wish-you-didn't-go-out-last-night," I have learned more than a semester of video class in college and a semester of small videos for the local paper.
I say that I'm excited to hit the ground running with video when I get back, but without a plan and attainable goals, I won't be producing any videos at all.
My plan is to spend my Fridays shooting and editing, get in with the photo crew, offer my audio skills for any big event that multiple photographers are sent out on.
I'm going to start Sunday with Cardinals fan reaction.
To my right: "I have nothing, no family, no wife, no kids. What will I do if I get laid off. My dogs are getting too old to hike."
To my left-rear: "Oh kiddo, let me tell you something about how newspapers used to be."
Behind me: "Honey, you're still young. You can go back to school for another degree. You have to be looking into that."
It's hard to keep my chin up at work and stay focused. I find myself checking requirements for nursing school while waiting for my stories to get edited.
After spending a week at the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute my attitude has changed. I'm recharged and ready to go back.
This time, I'm going to get out of the office as much as possible -- with a video camera.
After five days of working with Val Hoeppner and Anne Medley of the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute’s multimedia team, and Danese Kenon of the Indianapolis Star, in "Multimedia Boot Camp: Bet-you-wish-you-didn't-go-out-last-night," I have learned more than a semester of video class in college and a semester of small videos for the local paper.
I say that I'm excited to hit the ground running with video when I get back, but without a plan and attainable goals, I won't be producing any videos at all.
My plan is to spend my Fridays shooting and editing, get in with the photo crew, offer my audio skills for any big event that multiple photographers are sent out on.
I'm going to start Sunday with Cardinals fan reaction.
A ‘great gift’ to the Osage Nation
Multimedia skills being used on a Native American reservation…?
That is a foreign concept to all but maybe 10 tribes of the hundreds that exist in America. And only two tribes have independent news organizations with functioning Web sites -- the Navajo Nation and the Cherokee Nation. That isn’t enough.
I don’t know if the multimedia instructors and adjunct faculty at the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute know of the great gift they gave to the Osage Nation in Oklahoma. Currently, the Osage Nation tribal government communicates with its members through a monthly newsletter. Tribal citizens demand this newsletter and defend it when it is threatened. Just think of the service a multimedia news site would bring to the tribe.
Showing the some 16,000 tribal members worldwide the Soundslides and video segments I am now capable of producing will change our culture. It will be a communications step forward in our tribal history that I think everyone is ready for.
I have to thank the following Freedom Forum leaders, staff and instructors: Jack Marsh, Karen Catone, Val Hoeppner, Danese Kenon, Anne Medley, Michelle Hedenskoog and Angie McDade, along with the fellow students I worked with and learned from (if I left anyone out, my apologies). The instructors broke down the tasks to the basics and ethics of what we wanted to accomplish with Soundslides and video. Doing so made it easy to learn the skills. Yes, it was a six-day explosion of multimedia, but I gleaned as much from the sessions as possible.
It helped that the experience was hands-on. From the beginning, the instructors put a camera and video camera in our hands and let us loose. We learned on the fly as well as from instruction.
What produces a warm feeling is that the instructors are on call for when I might need them, and I am looking forward to using my new skills. It was a real privilege.
That is a foreign concept to all but maybe 10 tribes of the hundreds that exist in America. And only two tribes have independent news organizations with functioning Web sites -- the Navajo Nation and the Cherokee Nation. That isn’t enough.
I don’t know if the multimedia instructors and adjunct faculty at the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute know of the great gift they gave to the Osage Nation in Oklahoma. Currently, the Osage Nation tribal government communicates with its members through a monthly newsletter. Tribal citizens demand this newsletter and defend it when it is threatened. Just think of the service a multimedia news site would bring to the tribe.
Showing the some 16,000 tribal members worldwide the Soundslides and video segments I am now capable of producing will change our culture. It will be a communications step forward in our tribal history that I think everyone is ready for.
I have to thank the following Freedom Forum leaders, staff and instructors: Jack Marsh, Karen Catone, Val Hoeppner, Danese Kenon, Anne Medley, Michelle Hedenskoog and Angie McDade, along with the fellow students I worked with and learned from (if I left anyone out, my apologies). The instructors broke down the tasks to the basics and ethics of what we wanted to accomplish with Soundslides and video. Doing so made it easy to learn the skills. Yes, it was a six-day explosion of multimedia, but I gleaned as much from the sessions as possible.
It helped that the experience was hands-on. From the beginning, the instructors put a camera and video camera in our hands and let us loose. We learned on the fly as well as from instruction.
What produces a warm feeling is that the instructors are on call for when I might need them, and I am looking forward to using my new skills. It was a real privilege.
‘I learned to keep on learning’
I was certainly apprehensive about coming to Nashville, Tenn., and learning about what to me is new technology. I had doubts about whether I could produce videos and I didn't even know what Soundslides was. Now I am confident and excited about bringing some multimedia skills back to my newspaper.
I learned so much from everyone, including the wonderful instructors and talented participants. Most important, I learned to keep on learning and to be confident in my ability to learn. As journalists, we are naturally curious and I've learned to be able to use that curiosity to explore the world of multimedia.
I am most grateful for gaining a network of colleagues and for the inspiration that everyone has given me. I hope to be able to tap into that after I return to my newsroom.
Thank you to everyone for making this a great experience.
I learned so much from everyone, including the wonderful instructors and talented participants. Most important, I learned to keep on learning and to be confident in my ability to learn. As journalists, we are naturally curious and I've learned to be able to use that curiosity to explore the world of multimedia.
I am most grateful for gaining a network of colleagues and for the inspiration that everyone has given me. I hope to be able to tap into that after I return to my newsroom.
Thank you to everyone for making this a great experience.
Ready for duty
I've survived my week at the Freedom Forum here in Nashville, Tenn. -- literally. I can't remember the last time I've been so sick. Having spent so much time in my hotel bed, with little to do, I found my thoughts running away: "Am I really doing this? Can I be so lucky? What if this isn't it for me? What if it is?"
In a few hours I'll be on a plane back to the Lone Star State, where I'll spend a little more than 24 hours preparing to move to Oregon. I'm leaving Chips Quinn orientation in Nashville with some new knowledge but mainly some extra earnestness, drive, excitement and respect for building a relationship with a new community through my work.
This week with the Chips Quinn program has made the 2,600-mile drive and everything else required of me like some sort of duty that I'm ready to report for.
In a few hours I'll be on a plane back to the Lone Star State, where I'll spend a little more than 24 hours preparing to move to Oregon. I'm leaving Chips Quinn orientation in Nashville with some new knowledge but mainly some extra earnestness, drive, excitement and respect for building a relationship with a new community through my work.
This week with the Chips Quinn program has made the 2,600-mile drive and everything else required of me like some sort of duty that I'm ready to report for.
Worn out – and grateful
I'm worn out by the past eight days but at the same time I'm confident and energized. Everything about this week – the training, the orientation sessions, the coaches and more – has been beneficial and has eased my concerns about making the transition from student to reporter.
That positive experience is especially true of the relationships I've formed. The staff was incredible, and I loved having alums of the program join us for the orientation sessions and multimedia training. Talking to them and hearing about their experience has been encouraging for me because I was feeling uncertain about my future in journalism. I questioned whether I had what it took and if I'd be able to survive. These Chipsters and their successes, coupled with all the sessions, made me feel more confident and secure.
I truly feel like I'm a part of this family now. I feel as if I have a strong support network. I'm grateful to everyone for all they did and for the opportunity of being a Chips Quinn Scholar.
That positive experience is especially true of the relationships I've formed. The staff was incredible, and I loved having alums of the program join us for the orientation sessions and multimedia training. Talking to them and hearing about their experience has been encouraging for me because I was feeling uncertain about my future in journalism. I questioned whether I had what it took and if I'd be able to survive. These Chipsters and their successes, coupled with all the sessions, made me feel more confident and secure.
I truly feel like I'm a part of this family now. I feel as if I have a strong support network. I'm grateful to everyone for all they did and for the opportunity of being a Chips Quinn Scholar.
Proud to be a Chipster
I heard the call from across the airport floor. “Marco?”
I turned around to see a smiling woman approaching. “Marco Santana? I’m Javiera.”
She extended her hand and it was my first contact with anybody connected with the Chips Quinn Scholars program.
She asked, “Are there any other Chipsters here?”
“So that’s what they call us, huh?” I asked her. She nodded, still smiling.
Chipsters. The term seemed a bit cheesy to me. What had I signed up for?
During the first night of orientation, there were several mentions of family and what the program meant to everybody. As the week sped along and the 12-hour days of hard work passed, the class grew close and I began to notice some of the things mentioned.
I managed to get to know each of my classmates and learn much from them. The talent that surrounded me humbled me, and participating in a program with such enthusiastic and eager journalists boosted my confidence.
It was refreshing to hear alums of the program speak about how they embraced the family aspect. To a person, the alums humbly and sincerely credited the program with helping them to get their jobs. To know that this is the group I am now a part of excites me to no end.
On a practical note, I know that I now have skills that will make any newsroom better.
The educational aspect of this week is invaluable. I also know that I have a network of people who care about me and care about my career.
From line-dancing for the first time to participating in a sing-along and to renewing my love for the theme song to the “Golden Girls,” I have been changed in more than just professional ways by my participation in this group.
And one of the big changes is that I don’t consider it cheesy.
I’m proud to be called a Chipster.
I turned around to see a smiling woman approaching. “Marco Santana? I’m Javiera.”
She extended her hand and it was my first contact with anybody connected with the Chips Quinn Scholars program.
She asked, “Are there any other Chipsters here?”
“So that’s what they call us, huh?” I asked her. She nodded, still smiling.
Chipsters. The term seemed a bit cheesy to me. What had I signed up for?
During the first night of orientation, there were several mentions of family and what the program meant to everybody. As the week sped along and the 12-hour days of hard work passed, the class grew close and I began to notice some of the things mentioned.
I managed to get to know each of my classmates and learn much from them. The talent that surrounded me humbled me, and participating in a program with such enthusiastic and eager journalists boosted my confidence.
It was refreshing to hear alums of the program speak about how they embraced the family aspect. To a person, the alums humbly and sincerely credited the program with helping them to get their jobs. To know that this is the group I am now a part of excites me to no end.
On a practical note, I know that I now have skills that will make any newsroom better.
The educational aspect of this week is invaluable. I also know that I have a network of people who care about me and care about my career.
From line-dancing for the first time to participating in a sing-along and to renewing my love for the theme song to the “Golden Girls,” I have been changed in more than just professional ways by my participation in this group.
And one of the big changes is that I don’t consider it cheesy.
I’m proud to be called a Chipster.
One week vs. one semester
I have learned more in the past week during multimedia training at the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute than I did in a semester of college. My experience in Nashville, Tenn., was rich and filled with useful knowledge.
The instructors gave me great constructive criticism that made me aware of how to improve my skills. They did it in a way that didn’t put me down, but rather inspired me to want to do better and achieve more.
By working in groups, I was able to use my own ideas and learn from the colleagues I was working with, whether it was a technique in editing or a better camera angle.
Sharing the stories we produced was one of my favorite times of each day. The stories consistently blew me away. We were lucky to be surrounded by such great journalists who got along so well and respected each other’s ideas. I’ve made many new friends, both among peers and instructors.
Thank you to the instructors for giving me important tools that I can use to further my career, to everyone at the Freedom Forum for organizing this event and taking care of the technical issues without a glitch, and for making it possible for me to be here. And thank you to my peers for making the week so much fun.
The instructors gave me great constructive criticism that made me aware of how to improve my skills. They did it in a way that didn’t put me down, but rather inspired me to want to do better and achieve more.
By working in groups, I was able to use my own ideas and learn from the colleagues I was working with, whether it was a technique in editing or a better camera angle.
Sharing the stories we produced was one of my favorite times of each day. The stories consistently blew me away. We were lucky to be surrounded by such great journalists who got along so well and respected each other’s ideas. I’ve made many new friends, both among peers and instructors.
Thank you to the instructors for giving me important tools that I can use to further my career, to everyone at the Freedom Forum for organizing this event and taking care of the technical issues without a glitch, and for making it possible for me to be here. And thank you to my peers for making the week so much fun.
A new verb – ‘to multimedia’
My Chips Quinn scholarship continues to be a wonderful experience. Although I am attending the multimedia training months after my summer internship ended, I feel like it was only yesterday that I last saw the wonderful Freedom Forum staff.
The multimedia program has been intense and comprehensive. I’ve learned more in a week than I have in many multimedia classes in school. The instructors have gone above and beyond their responsibilities to guide and encourage our multimedia growth.
Gone is my fear of the unknown, replaced by excitement as I await my next project. I will buy a video camera as soon as possible and work to capture footage that complements my Soundslides. With this newfound knowledge and desire “to multimedia the world,” I will improve my portfolio and standing as a visual journalist.
The multimedia program has been intense and comprehensive. I’ve learned more in a week than I have in many multimedia classes in school. The instructors have gone above and beyond their responsibilities to guide and encourage our multimedia growth.
Gone is my fear of the unknown, replaced by excitement as I await my next project. I will buy a video camera as soon as possible and work to capture footage that complements my Soundslides. With this newfound knowledge and desire “to multimedia the world,” I will improve my portfolio and standing as a visual journalist.
Keeping perspective
Wow.
This past week has been among the most productive and eye-opening experiences of my life. Where do I begin?
First, the young reporters (and even those not quite so young) whom I have met are supremely talented. That's been said often, but it deserves to be said again and again. I learned almost as much from the other 10 people in my class and the half-dozen or so alumni as I did from our instructors. The Scholars each contributed something different that, in the end, enhanced our multimedia products. To name a few examples, Bettina Hansen taught me how to get organized in Final Cut, Marjon Rostami showed me how efficiently we can work and Nicole Santa Cruz reminded me how much fun being a reporter could be.
Even though our instructors, coaches and support staff were here to teach us, it never felt like anyone was trying to force knowledge through my head or, worse, treat me like the kid people think I am. They were brilliant, conversational and constructive. I was impressed by their ability to combine professionalism with true mentorship. It was also comforting to see Danese Kenon -- a successful woman of color and a multimedia reporter for The Indianapolis Star -- in all her fiery passion and incredible wisdom. She is truly an inspiring figure.
As I fly back to my newsroom Friday and start work Saturday, I carry with me a better sense of self and a renewed zeal to help my community.
If had to take away just one thing or one piece of advice from this week, it would be this: "Don't take life too seriously."
Trust me -- I won't.
This past week has been among the most productive and eye-opening experiences of my life. Where do I begin?
First, the young reporters (and even those not quite so young) whom I have met are supremely talented. That's been said often, but it deserves to be said again and again. I learned almost as much from the other 10 people in my class and the half-dozen or so alumni as I did from our instructors. The Scholars each contributed something different that, in the end, enhanced our multimedia products. To name a few examples, Bettina Hansen taught me how to get organized in Final Cut, Marjon Rostami showed me how efficiently we can work and Nicole Santa Cruz reminded me how much fun being a reporter could be.
Even though our instructors, coaches and support staff were here to teach us, it never felt like anyone was trying to force knowledge through my head or, worse, treat me like the kid people think I am. They were brilliant, conversational and constructive. I was impressed by their ability to combine professionalism with true mentorship. It was also comforting to see Danese Kenon -- a successful woman of color and a multimedia reporter for The Indianapolis Star -- in all her fiery passion and incredible wisdom. She is truly an inspiring figure.
As I fly back to my newsroom Friday and start work Saturday, I carry with me a better sense of self and a renewed zeal to help my community.
If had to take away just one thing or one piece of advice from this week, it would be this: "Don't take life too seriously."
Trust me -- I won't.
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