Students at Wittenberg recently returned from fall break -- while some R&R benefited many students, it still hasn't completely helped with the stress of mid-semester. Based off of this, I've been thinking of a few story ideas:
1. Scheduling - maybe one of my least favorite parts about Wittenberg (and possibly yours, too). I never seem to be able to fit in all the classes I need and/or want. I could possibly explore this story idea by talking to the Registrar and finding out how much trouble students actually have in getting into classes and/or taking ones they need. Also, I could talk to some students about classes they feel Wittenberg should offer but aren't - especially within certain departments, and if there are departments missing at Wittenberg students feel we really should have.
2. Habitat for Humanity - Mid-fall semester means it's about time to start applying for the alternative spring breaks offered for spring of 2013. I could talk to the habitat officers about places they are considering going to build and to students who have gone on past trips. Are there advantages/disadvantages (if there are any!) of going on one of these trips? -- especially in comparison to going on a typical college spring break ( like Daytona Beach). This may be too far in advance, but I personally think it is relevant because applications are due soon and if students don't know about it, they won't apply and therefore couldn't go!
3. Reaction piece to Dr. Cornell West - I could talk to some professors and students about their reactions to West's radical approach to preaching/thinking about injustice and how to conquer it. I went to this and it was unlike anything I've ever heard.
4. Piece on LCWS (Lutheran College Washington Semester) - I did this program, so I don't know if it'd be a conflict of interest. Especially with election season, I think it'd be interesting explore what life is like as a student/intern in Washington. A common misconception is that you have to be a poli sci major to do this alternative semester -- the answer is no! It was my favorite semester so far and I learned so much about the professional world and about myself. Like study abroad, I think interning is one of the best experiences a college kid can do in order to get out of his/her college bubble -- and we all know a Witt bubble definitely exists.
These are all great ideas. Definitely not too soon for a Habitat story; this is exactly what advances are for. Scheduling actually sounds like two or maybe three stories. As an editor, I'd want the story on how hard it is for students to get the classes they need, with a sidebar story on what departments and classes students want. Have to be careful not to get too detailed; students saying they want more classes about environmental issues is interesting, but a list of specific courses they want to get a particular major wouldn't appeal to anyone outside that major.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of interns in Washington -- would it have to be limited to LCWS? If so, it becomes a story about LCWS, and I know we have interns going to Washington for other programs. As an editor, I wouldn't want a reporter doing a story specifically about a program she had done, but wouldn't mind a bigger story about life in Washington. At Witt, with our smaller population of reporters, I'd let someone who had been to LCWS write about it, but would acknowledge in story she had done so.
Good point -- I don't think it would have to be limited to students who have done/are doing LCWS. I just know that's the main one Wittenberg has. I know current students there, Witt alumni who have done it, and some friends from other schools/places I met in DC through LCWS and my internships. Two of my friends actually just moved to Ohio to help with the Obama campaign -- interviewing them could be especially relevant since they are living lives in both DC and Ohio, a major swing state in the election. I'm thinking of claiming this story!
ReplyDeleteI am claiming the Habitat story!
ReplyDelete