Big Wigs at the Branigin

On Monday I stated that I had to cover some kind of debate for my editing class. Turns out the debate was between three candidates running for the Indiana Senate. The debate took place in the Branigin room, and I was to cover any "Big Wigs" that might show up.

Things slowly became clearer to me as compared to when I was just assigned the story on Monday, however I still didn't know why I was there. I arrived 30 minutes early and stood outside the lecture hall as old snoby rich people came pouring in. A secretary was supposed to meet me and inform me who was at the debate, but she was busy running around and hastily told me "I know what you look like, you know what I look like. I'll find you later," So after a couple more moments standing awkwardly in the hall, I decided that I would try to find these people after the debate and took my assigned seat.

Anyway the debate was long and boring, and directly after I had to write my story which barely made 300 words because I could only find two big name politicians. I'm sure it won't be used for anything. As a journalist, I hate it when I take the time and effort to cover a story and then don't know whether or not it will get published. This is the third time this has happened to me this semester.

So the next day in editing class, Hank, my professor, invited an alumni to speak to the class about editing. I forget his name, but he has worked at Indy's Mens Magazine and a couple of local papers. Much of it was a Q&A session, as we all chowed down on some Chinese grub. I didn't pay attention to much of what he said, but at the end he said something that really changed my perspective as a journalist. He said that there were reporters and then there were writers. I have always seen myself as more of a writer than a parasitic journalist who attacks and attacks. He suggested that the writers in the room check out the magazine industry because of the focus on doing feature stories.

I hate many aspects of journalism, but I know that there are some areas that click with me, such as doing feature stories. I pray that one day I will find the right field to go into.