‘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.

‘Out of great tragedy can come greatness’

When people die, the people who love them keep their memories alive. Such is the story behind the Chips Quinn Scholars program for journalists of color.

After Chips Quinn died, his mother and father wanted a way to keep his memory alive. They decided to honor his commitment to diverse newsrooms by starting a program that would continue that commitment.

The story that Chips Quinn's father John C. Quinn shared with us about how the program began had an inspiring message that out of great tragedy can come greatness. I appreciated him telling us the story and about his son so we know why we are here and we can relay this story to others.

The basics set journalists apart in cyberspace

Social networking Web sites have changed how people interact -- not only in personal lives but in professional lives as well. Sites such as Facebook and Twitter have changed how journalists and non-journalists gather information. With the Web, people can get news much faster, but information may not always be accurate. While almost anybody can break news or be an editor online, there is still a need for journalists to ensure that the information is correct and relevant.