All the President's Men- thirty years later and still intriguing

It is no surprise that All the President’s Men (1976 by Warner Bros.) received eight Oscar nominations for the film. Closely following two journalists who covered the Watergate scandal of 1972; it has kept viewers at the edge of their seat for more than thirty years.

In the film, Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein refuse to be satisfied with the amount of information they uncover. Woodward, (Robert Redford) and Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) study public records, use every connection they have ever had, all to find out the truth to this seemingly menial break-in.

By “following the money” and paying neurotic attention to details, they discovered the story every journalist dreams of writing.

For more information on All the President’s Men and to read the original article written by Woodward and Bernstein on the Watergate Scandal, go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/features/dcmovies/allthepresidentsmen.htm.

Photo of Bernstein and Woodward (right) provided by life.com

When Home Needs a Visa

By Alyssa Baxter

Anh Nguyễn went home this summer for the first time in almost seven years. Now a 20-year-old senior majoring in business administration, she’s at a crossroads. Born and raised in Ha Noi, Vietnam, she always knew America would be her destination, but where will her home be now?

Nguyễn came to the U.S. on a student visa in 2004 at the age of fourteen. She graduated from United Christian Academy in 2007 and decided on Gordon College to continue her education.

“I did a lot of research and I knew I wanted to go to a Christian school. I wanted to be close to my host family who live in Vermont, so I picked Gordon. Also, when visiting here, I just feel I belong and could make this place my home for the next four years,” she said.

With her December graduation just ahead and her time at Gordon coming to a close, her fears are larger than most future graduates. “At Gordon, I have Christian family and I won’t have that at home. I love the friendship I made in the past three years and just love all of my professors. They loved the students and would do anything to help them learn. They don't care only how well you do in class, but how you can learn to be a better Christian and utilize the gifts you have. They want to prepare you well for the next steps,” she said.

ccording to Arlyne Sargent, Gordon College’s International student advisor, Nguyễn is the only Vietnamese student studying here. Her experiences however are similar to many others.

Like many International students, post-grad life becomes much more complicated. She is not only in search of a job, but must decide on a country for her future. Nguyễn will be going home to Vietnam after graduation and hopes to return to the States for graduate school in July at Bentley, to complete her masters of science in finance.

“It will be easy to leave the U.S., but getting a new visa to come back can be hard. I do have some fear about that,” she said, “ I need to apply to renew my visa as soon as possible, but that is pretty much the worst part of the whole thing.”

According to Travel.State.Gov, to qualify for a student visa, applicants “must have a residence abroad, with no immediate intention of abandoning that residence; intend to depart from the United States upon completion of the course of study; and possess sufficient funds to pursue the proposed course of study.” Applicants must also complete an interview at the US Embassy and have a set of fingerprints taken. Although this process is clearly drawn out, numerous complications such as wait times can interfere with Nguyễn’s plans.

“Even the smallest glitch in their paperwork can send them to the back of the line to wait for hours. The immigration officers have plenty of people in line who are dying to come here, so they have many other options,” said Sargent. “If the student is missing a needed document or even if their passport picture is not printed in color- these can be major problems when trying to obtain a visa,” she said.

Despite the difficulties of obtaining a visa, Nguyễn hopes to return to Vietnam after grad school and start her own business in the investment and business field by age twenty-eight, beating out her parents who started their own business at thirty factoring electric wires. Eventually, she would like to return to the States.

However, her dreams are not the only ones she thinks about. “If my family think I should go back, I would return without any questions and if time and my job allow I would live in both places,” she said. Nguyễn also has an American boyfriend, Dave, who is anxious about what is ahead for the two of them. “Dave try to be supportive, but I know it is hard for him. We did this before this past summer when I went home, but it will be for much longer this time.”

“Having Anh leave is going to be really hard for both of us. Obviously I want her to stay, but it is something we will both have to deal with,” said Dave Huseland, Nguyễn’s boyfriend and also a 21-year-old senior at Gordon College.

“Ever since I've known Anh I've wanted to go to Vietnam with her. I think it would be great to see where she comes from and be able to experience the culture over there. Hopefully I will be able to visit before she comes back for grad school,” said Huseland.

For Nguyễn, home is still in Vietnam, but with all of the obstacles in her path, her final destination is still uncertain. “I hope my family and my job, in time, will show me where I should go.”

Salem News Staff Visits Gordon College Class

When Salem News editor, David Olson and community reporter, Muriel Hoffacker gave journalism students a look at a day inside their newsroom, students avidly took notes.

Editor Advises Future Journalists

Ispwich Chronicle Editor, Dan MacAlpine visited Gordon College last week to give his top ten tips for writing to a journalism class.

The Power of a Journalist

Journalists have played essential roles in documenting history. Throughout the Civil Rights efforts, journalists were there, writing and recording what was taking place. At the time, they did not know that someday it would be shameful history. They did not know what the importance of them doing their jobs would have someday.

The journalists who covered the movement saw something that struck them as important. Newsworthy. )Were they ever right). I have learned this semester that a journalist's loyalty is to the citizens and their obligation is to the truth. (Taken from Elements on Journalism).Journalists of this day did just that. They brought the raw reality of the struggles of African American people into the homes and hands of thousands of white Americans, leaving them no choice but to really see the issue.

Eyes on the Prize, also taught me something else about journalism. . . a journalist should never take the power they have for granted, and it never should be taken lightly. Someday, every African American who walked to make a stand, who was sprayed with fire hoses to back down and arrested for doing what was needed to have what was right, will be gone. What will be left is the journalist's work to tell their stories, to tell the history.

Gordon Alums Give Advice to Next Generation

Mariwyn Light felt God leading her in another direction. During her senior year, after just returning from Ireland, she felt a calling for something else.

Light, an '09 graduate of Gordon College, communication arts and fine arts major now attends the University of Texas El Paso studying national intelligence and security.

"I never thought I would be studying this, but you can't ignore where God is leading you," she said to a group of aspiring journalists, "many of you may feel the same way."

"No matter what you decide to do, the skills you learn in journalism will only help you," she said, "I am one step ahead of my class with our analysis writing because I know how to dig deeper to get at the heart of an issue."

Students left with her email address and hope of the same success and direction she has had. "She had her stuff together," Alyssa Maine, '11, said, "hearing her story inspired me."

Eagle Tribune writer, Jon Phelps, '08, shared his top ten tips for writing with the journalists. "You should learn something from every story you write," he said. "It's true," Jessica Figurido, '11 said, " I learn just as much from the interviewees as I do in my classes."

Ann Young didn't just speak to journalism students. "Stay in the Word," she said, "Listen to what He says."Young, a '65 graduate from Barrington College, studied Educational Psychology and used her gifts to teach missionary kids overseas. She taught from 1972 until 2008 at the Faith Academy in the Philippines.

Like many alum, Young believes she'll always be connected with the Gordon community. "I'll see you soon," she said, "whether it be here or up there," as she glanced upward.

College Celebrates Day of Peace

For International Day of Peace, students looked beyond Gordon College's bubble to expose themselves to the struggles and unrest around the world. “It’s comforting to know that despite the bubble, we recognize International Day of Peace, to honor something we are all fighting for and to remind us of other people’s struggles,” said Amelia Annis, 22.

One event to remind students of what's outside their small community was the opportunity to see the film Little Town of Bethlehem on Tuesday, September 21st. Annis, who spent most of her life in Romania before moving to the States for college, went to see the film with her class. "At first, I just went because I had to, but the more I watched, the more I found that on some level I could relate."

“In Romania, the conflict was different than the ones of the Palestinians and Jews portrayed in the movie. I dealt with gypsies. There was an inequality of gender and prejudices that affected day to day activities,” she said.

Good Night and Good Luck

By Alyssa Baxter

Journalists have a great responsibility: to inform the public- with an obligation to the truth and a loyalty to the citizens, even at the expense of their jobs on the line. Good Night and Good Luck (2005) put Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel's (authors of The Elements of Journalism) thoughts into practice throughout the film.

When CBS's lead television journalists decided to run a story revealing Junior Senator of Wisconsin, Joseph McCarthy's hunt for Communists in the United States, they knew the risks and hoped for positive outcomes. They did their legwork, they found the facts, they researched, found the human element and dealt with the controversies head on. It paid off.

From deciding which stories should be run to risking everything to tell the real story-- this film shows the ethics of a journalism in a raw way.

Photo provided by http://tf.org/filmcard/112

Film can be viewed online at http://www.megavideo.com/?v=OE7FP6M2

Transfer Student Finds Balance at Gordon

By Alyssa Baxter

WENHAM, MA- When Jim Falkenstrom decided to transfer to Gordon College, he was most excited about baseball- to play, to be a part of the team that's competitive, but fun and to connect with the guys. He has not been disappointed.

Falkenstrom, a 19-year-old, sophomore from Reading, MA, feels like he has been here all along. "I have not had any trouble finding friends," he said. As a member of the baseball team, he has connected with many of the players.

"The guys love him (on the team). He immediately fit right in," said Steve Myhren, the 21-year-old captain from Vernon, NJ."I had all the same wishes for my Gordon experience. Maybe that's the reason we connected so well," said Myhren.

Falkenstrom came to Gordon to play. While he was at Messiah, he only played two innings, but at Gordon, he hopes to be more of an asset.

Along with baseball, he values his academics."My classes are challenging, but not overwhelming," he said, "it's a great balance."

He wanted to be a part of the loving community, the strong academic reputation, and the ideal location which attracts many students to Gordon. He's comforted knowing he made the right decision to transfer here.

"The campus is beautiful, the housing arrangements are exceptional, and the location is ideal," he said, "It's all the things I wish I had from the beginning. . . but, better late than never."

Photo provided

Jody Hassett Sanchez Speaks to Gordon Students

"A story must shed light on the truth," she said. Jody Hassett Sanchez was speaking of documentaries, in light of her recent film, SOLD: Fighting the New Global Slave Trade. "...it must touch the audience's heart first," she said in in the Convocation chapel on Friday, September 10, 2010 at Gordon College.

Although Sanchez spoke to students about her documentary filmmaking experience, it would benefit journalism students to apply her wisdom to their work. "In sentences, every word is intentional," she said. ". . . when someone lets me tell their story, I want to see their face as I write."

"People are hungrier than ever before-hungrier for stories. Well constructed, well told stories; stories that help make sense of the world. . . I'm (the writer) not the story; I'm the privileged to tell the story," Sanchez said.

More information on Sanchez and her film are available at http://www.jodyhassettsanchez.com.

Classic Book on Writing Remains Relevant

“Nothing so animates writing as someone telling what he thinks or what he does – in his own words,” said William Zinsser, in his book, On Writing Well, “It breathes life into writing.”

When Zinsser wrote On Writing Well, in 1976, did he ever imagine that three generations later, his book would be breathing life into millions of writer’s minds and pieces?

“Zinsser is the little man on my shoulder as I write. I know his book so well that I hear it as I write. No, I don’t need that word. . . this would be a good place for a quote,” said Jo Kadlecek, professor of Communication Arts and Senior Communications Writer of Gordon College.

“Zinsser gives me confidence in my writing. His book his practical . . .simple and clean. That is my goal for my writing,” said Jessica Burton, 21 and a senior at Gordon College.

“Zinsser’s information is relevant for every type of writing,” said Kara Bettis, 19, and a sophomore at Gordon. When writing, Bettis reminds herself of Zinsser’s advice: “Most first drafts can be cut by 50 percent without losing any information or losing the author’s voice.”

“Remove clutter,” said Maggie Lafferty, an aspiring 21-year- old journalist, “that is what I took away from Zinsser’s book. It has drastically improved my reporting.”

“The life-changing message of On Writing Well is simplify your language and thereby find your humanity,” said Zinsser on his website, www.williamzinsserwriter.com. Zinsser’s message is loud and clear and has been replayed through writer’s minds for thirty-four years.

Gordon Community Informed by Variety of News Sources

By Alyssa Baxter, Journalism Student

WENHAM, MA- Convenience seems to be Gordon community's best friend and staying informed, a must, according to the students, faculty and staff. In an environment where information is constantly streaming, community members find news to be a crucial part of their lives.

Stephen Myhren, a senior, business major, finds that yahoo.com keeps informed on a variety of topics without the hassle of scrolling hundreds of headlines. "Yahoo (.com) is my homepage. When I open my web browser, the news is right in front of me; it is convenient and easy to know what's happening. The pictures that support the stories make it easy for me to decide which ones are of interest," he said. Myhren admits that sports news is his main interest and keeping informed in the sports world requires hours of watching ESPN on TV. "It entertains me and informs me at the same time" he said.

Others seem to agree. Amelia Annis, a senior, sociology major, uses Yahoo for her main source of news. It is her homepage as well and claims the pictures jump out at her. "It’s already up on my screen so I don't have to search other news sites to find out what's going on in the world," Annis said.

Some find convenience in other ways. Abby Solberg, a senior and student design center employee, likes to access her news while on the go. She reads the The New York Times on her cell phone. No matter where she is, she takes comfort in knowing she can find out the news. Solberg, a known multi-tasker, also gets ready with CNN on her TV.

Students, however, are not the only ones with convenience as a main priority. Chris Imming, Director of Media Services uses drudgereport.com. "DRUDGE REPORT is a news aggregation website that has a bunch of sources and headlines in one place," he said. According to intermarkets.net, the exclusive ad sales firm for the company, claims, "(the) Drudge Report is the primary online source for breaking news and information for millions of people, as well as the media, and key political and influential opinion leaders with 1.9 million views on a weekday basis."

No matter where the news is coming from: which source, through which medium, to inform or to entertain, the Gordon College community is set on knowing what's happening outside of their small community. In the busyness of life, studying and errands, respected members know that staying up with the news is just as important as their studies.