The Place to Be

The first full day of the 2010 ASNE Reynolds High School Journalism Institute was top notch just like I expected. I am so glad to have this opportunity.

Spending most of my life with a camera strapped around my neck and being the journalist photographer at local events is what I know how to do and I do that well. I supply cut lines and names to the local newspapers. I have never been a great writer and I certainly never expected to be a journalism teacher.

Reporting the news correctly and efficiently is important to me. Writing is not my strongest asset, but I do know my passion and drive to be a better writer will help me be a better person and teacher. Inspiring my students to be better writers can only happen if I become a better writer. I need to be a good role model. Returning to college and attending this institute has really inspired me to continue to learn the skills necessary to be a good teacher.

My mission to become a better writer for the students I teach and for my own personal satisfactions.

After today, I know this is the right place for me to continue my mission to learn good writing and journalism skills. At this institute I have witnessed good teaching tools, new resources to access and professional conections that will assit me in my teaching.

Students in my school district will benefit from writing with a critical eye. The reporting real-life simulation we did in class today was intense and very rewarding to me. I see my weaknesses and my strenghths that I brought to the team.

I am not a strong writter in a time crunching situation. I need time to think and process my words. Listening to others and being aware of my sounding are my assets. Not everyone is cut out to be a on the spot reporter (with limited time), but everyone should learn to be a critical thinker, problem solver and have the basic skills to write well.

Beware, tommorow's assignment (time crunching on the spot reporting) maybe rough for me, but I am going to give it the old college try!

Bracinda Blum

Woodbine High School

Woodbine, Iowa

Special Education and Journalism Teacher