To be honest, when I initially registered to take this
class, it was mostly just because it fit with the rest of my schedule nicely.
But I also thought it would be a good chance to learn an additional style of
writing, to add sports reporting to my repertoire.
At the beginning of the semester, we focused on good writing
and reviewed the basics. The first few weeks were spent learning about how to write
game stories. Our first guest speakers taught us their own methods of keeping
score at a game to prepare us for our first assignment: to write a high school
football advance and game story. Though I was nervous about the assignment, I
ended up enjoying the process and I’m glad I got the opportunity to learn the
entire process.
Class continued as we learned about getting the most out of
an interview and how to write feature stories. To practice these skills, we
were required to write a profile on a KSU athlete. I wrote my story about
softball player Bianca Durant. Later in the semester, I wrote a feature on the
KSU men’s rugby club. Because I had to complete these assignments, I feel like
I’m better prepared to write profiles and feature stories on athletes and
teams.
Our other assignments included conducting a Q&A video
interview with a player or coach not affiliated with KSU, composing a narrated
photo essay, and presenting to the rest of our class the basics of covering
particular beats. I interviewed soccer coach Clayton Schmitt for my video,
covered indoor rock climbing for my photo essay, and explained to the class how
to cover ice hockey, rowing, and triathlons.
Though this class had more assignments than most of my other
classes, I’m glad it did. I feel like I gained a lot of knowledge and new
skills from my experiences completing the projects. The guest speakers gave us
advice that I know I will remember throughout my career. Even if I don’t pursue
sports reporting in my future, I’m thankful that I chose to take this class and
will be able to add sports reporting to my résumé.
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