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.