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See
the orientation diary
Chips Quinn Scholars begin their experience by attending
a four-day orientation at Freedom Forum headquarters in Arlington,
Va. It’s a time of inspiration, and there’s time
for journalism skills development. And because Chips Quinn
would have it no other way, there’s some fun, too.
Each orientation session is developed by program Director
Karen Catone and her staff. Scholars hear from members
of the Freedom Forum, including Chairman Charles Overby,
President Peter Prichard, Senior Vice President Mary Kay Blake,
Senior Vice President and First Amendment Center Executive
Director Ken Paulson and First Amendment Center Founder John
Seigenthaler.
Editors and journalists speak to the Scholars, as do alumni
of the program. Among the topics covered:
- Communicating with your editor
- Developing ideas, stories
- Headline writing and design
- How the CQS program began
- Inside the First Amendment
- Interviewing
- Leads, context and perspective
- Library and Internet research
- Newsroom practices, culture
- News writing
- Online news
- Reporting on crime
- Talking about race
- Visual journalism, photography
- What it’s like in the real world
And if that isn’t enough to get the Scholars excited
about their work, Bob Dubill, retired executive editor of USA
TODAY, explains "Why you’re going to love it!"
Scholars are encouraged to ask questions throughout orientation.
They have opportunities to get to know speakers and fellow
Scholars.
Journalism educators serve as coaches to the Scholars. And
in a feature that began in Spring 2002, alumni serve as mentors
for some new Scholars.
The Freedom Forum pays for Scholars’ travel, lodging,
meals and training costs for orientation. What do the Scholars
contribute? A willingness to learn and work hard.
"Every individual has influenced me in some manner,
from John Quinn to the quietest of the Scholars," said
Christian Moises, a Summer 2002 Scholar from Louisiana Tech
University. "I have learned volumes of information from
everyone. Not only have I learned techniques and skills that
will help me at my internship, but I’ve learned how to
manage other people and interact in a cooperative manner with
my peers. I’ve gained a better understanding of our role
in today’s world of journalism."
On Day 5, John Quinn bids the Scholars farewell with a message.
"You leave here with two things: an opportunity to succeed
and an obligation to carry others along,'' he tells the Scholars.
With hugs, the Scholars leave orientation and head to their
internships.
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