|
CSULB
experience filled with memories, learning
experiences
As
I prepare for graduation, I still remember
my first introduction to Cal State Long
Beach. At my school orientation I remember
President Robert C. Maxson yelling "Go
Beach!" over and over. I also remember
how he told our class that a full education
at CSULB was not entirely made up of
classes, but that getting involved in
activities personal to us was also important.
I
started my college experience by joining
Learning Alliance, an orientation program
to college that played a big role in
my life. When my father died as I began
college, this group is what not only
kept me in school, but helped me deal
with my grief.
My
journalism experience from middle school
and high school drew me into the journalism
classroom. Ever since I started writing
for the Daily Forty-Niner I felt at home
among other aspiring journalists.
After
writing for the paper, I moved up as
an assistant editor and then city editor.
Working with other journalists who had
more experience helped me understand
much more than the classroom could teach
me. I was able to learn vital journalism
skills from some of my closest friends
in college.
But
nothing could prepare me for becoming
editor in chief. At first I was nervous
about the position, wondering if I had
the ability to take the newspaper to
the level of quality I knew it could
reach. Once I started, however, the people
working on the newspaper showed me that
alone I could not accomplish my aspirations
for the newspaper, but together it would
reach beyond what I could expect.
Throughout
the year I had to keep adding high expectations
and goals for the newspaper, as my staff
kept raising the level of the newspaper.
Now, at the end of almost five years
at the Daily Forty-Niner I feel so proud
of the newspaper and its staff that led
it to becoming a successful independent
newspaper.
My
experience at the newspaper and CSULB
was shaped by countless people, but a
few people really rose above to help
me advance my journalism knowledge.
Christopher
Burnett and Barbara Kingsley, both of
whom served as advisers to the newspaper,
not only helped me as a journalist, but
personally. Brian Brannon from the News-Enterprise,
taught me much of what I know about how
to be a great journalist. Jamie Eggleston,
the Daily Forty-Niner's production manager,
taught me not only about page layout,
but the importance of meeting deadlines
that will prove to help me tremendously
in the "real world" of journalism.
Beverly Munson, Daily Forty-Niner advertising
and business manager, helped me learn
about the finances behind a newspaper.
Finally, the faculty and students of
the journalism department throughout
my time here have all given me a lot
of knowledge and support.
Looking
back, I know that I will miss my long
days and nights of working in the dungeon
of the Social Science and Public Affairs
building, but looking ahead I know my
experience at CSULB has prepared me for
my future journalism career.
For
every student at CSULB, I hope you take
the extra time between class to find
something to participate in and be passionate
about at CSULB. Because, as a graduate
I know how important Maxson's words were.
Go Beach!
Sonya
Smith is a print journalism major at
CSULB and editor-in-chief of the Daily
Forty-Niner. |
