MY STORIES:

• Becker is backed by Equality Utah
• Activists discuss Utah marriage ban
• Generations divide the semantics of queer

ABOUT ME:

“I write for the same reason I breathe — because if I didn’t, I would die.”                 

– Isaac Asimov

My name is Clayton Norlen, I am 20 years old and I want to be a journalist. I love to write, tell stories, talk to people and learn. Journalism just seems like the one lifestyle that fits me, stereotypes and all.

I have always wanted a job where every day could be new, where no day would ever be the same. I’ve always wanted a job that would allow me to delve into any topic and meet new people every day. For me journalism was love at first sight.

I am majoring in mass communication at the U with a minor in documentary studies. I’ve worked at the Daily Utah Chronicle since January 2006, were I started as an opinion columnist. Since June 2007, I’ve worked as full-time writer in the news section where my beat is the College of Humanities and the College of Social and Behavioral Science. Since October, I’ve also begun to moonlight as an occasional writer for the arts and entertainment section.

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MY STORIES:

• QSaltLake fills a niche in Salt Lake City
• TEA of Utah

MY BLOG:

When I first signed up for the class and received an e-mail from the professor about the semester-long focus, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to objectively report because of my strong conservative views. After talking with Dr. Mangun I decided that I could do it and it would be a good experience because there might be future events that I might be assigned to cover that I might not agree with personally.

This class has sparked my interest in areas I hadn’t given much consideration to before and has been the catalyst for my gaining an internship at QSaltLake as a copy editor. It has also helped me appreciate the importance of covering minorities.

Except for being female, I’m privileged because I’m white, American, middle class and educated. I appreciate hearing different points of view that remind me of my “status.”

It was hard to pick which PRIDE Week events to go to at first, but in the end I wanted to hear the forum and the keynote speaker because I thought they would create the most dialogue during or afterwards.

I did many things to prepare and improve my skills during the semester. I attended a meeting of QSU and got to meet many members of the LGBT community who are my peers. I practiced note taking in the airport when CNN aired the press conference of Marion Jones announcing that she took drugs. I stood with my notepad and imagined that I was there. I’d like to get an old textbook in the near future that teaches shorthand so I can improve that skill.

I bought a digital voice recorder for Pride Week. I got the cheapest one I could find which was about $40. It turned out that I could play back the files but couldn’t download them to a computer. It turns out the communication department has cameras and recorders you can check out. Had I known that ahead of time I never would have made the purchase. The voice recorders are slated for radio student use so even though there was one available when a radio student expressed a need later I was asked to return it. With the help of my teacher Dr. Mangun and technical assistant Lee Zurligen I was able to transfer the files from my digital recorder to the school’s digital recorder.

Since we were writing for a Web site I did a lot of work to make it interactive. I copied my files (recordings, pictures) to a computer so they could be embedded online.

I feel like I’m a better person for having taken this class because it’s expanded my way of thinking. I’m reminded that one can’t make assumptions based on the way one looks and that people are more similar than they are different.

Being informed is the first line of defense against ignorance, hate and fear.

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MY STORIES:

• U of U weighs in on campus climate scale for first year
• NLGJA low on numbers, high in benefits
• Equality Utah fights for ‘fair and just’ state
• Gallery creates a space for diversity

ABOUT ME:

As a student majoring in journalism, some make the mistake of assuming that all I know about reporting and stories has been taught to me in the classroom. My work on this site is yet another example of my efforts to prove that stereotype wrong. As I prepare to graduate from the University of Utah with a degree in journalism and a minor in Middle Eastern studies, I’m proud of the wide spectrum of stories I’ve had the opportunity to cover. From election riots on the streets of Cairo to discovering the LGBT community of Salt Lake City, each article exemplifies the aspects of journalistic excellence taught to me in the classroom, but more importantly, gained through experience.

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MY STORIES:

• Stuck in the middle: Some bisexuals struggle to overcome stereotypes

ABOUT ME:

I am a senior at the University of Utah studying mass communication with an emphasis in news editorial. I have been a staff writer at the Tooele (Utah) Transcript Bulletin since 2006 where I write movie reviews and arts and entertainment articles. I am a member of the Utah Film Critics Society based out of Salt Lake City. In January 2007 — and in 2008 — I was an accredited member of the press for the Sundance Film Festival. Intermediate reporting has forced me to step away from the entertainment world and focus on an underrepresented community. After graduation in December 2008, I plan to continue my journalism career, eventually writing for an arts and entertainment magazine.

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MY STORIES:

• Respect, accuracy key to coverage, GLAAD strategist says
• Staff intern dedicates three years to LGBT Resource Center
  
• Straight allies are voices, advocates of LGBT community
• Mike Thompson’s mission: To be a ‘change agent’
• Bill defines human rights: Equality vs. morality
• Vanderhooft pursues passion for writing through QSaltLake

MY BLOGS:

THE CLASS: Life Learning Experience

Intermediate Reporting was more than just a class. It has been a life learning experience that I will forever remember.

The interviews and the long hours of perfecting my craft have not only taught me how to be a better journalist, but the experiences have also helped me grow as a person. 

All of the wonderful people I met and interviewed made me realize the importance of accepting others for who they are first. I have learned what it means to be a minority. I have discovered the adversity of inequality.

I truly respect and appreciate members and allies of the LGBT community, especially those who are fighting for social justice. 

I would like to thank my mentor, Professor Kimberley Mangun, for always being there.

I appreciate your dedication and perseverance to our class and your vision.  

Monday, October 15 | Intercollegiate Pride Dance

I wasn’t planning on attending the Intercollegiate Pride Dance, one of my best friends called and asked me to come. I was excited to dance the night away and to my surprise, I knew almost half of the people there. I was hoping to interact with students from other universities or colleges, but it seemed like most of the people who were there were from the U. I enjoyed mingling with friends and meeting others.

I think events like this definitely help and challenge you to get out of your comfort zone. This also makes you realize what it feels like to be a minority. It’s something I don’t have to think about often, but it’s something the LGBT community faces every day.

Tuesday, October 16 | Media Essentials

Adam Bass, the Northwest Media Field Strategist from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) gave a presentation on the importance of the LGBT community in the media. I learned what preferred terms to use when writing articles, things to remember when thinking about your audience and how to write effective letters to the editor and opinion editorials. GLAAD, the third largest LBGT civil rights group in the U.S., seeks to find a common ground, localizes national stories, creates media conversations and strives to meet people where they are. 

I also learned the importance of taking action when an issue I am passionate about is being negatively portrayed. It’s great to know that there is an organization that creates awareness and educates individuals on how to appropriately depict the LGBT community in the media. 

The biggest and the most vital theme I learned from the presentation was finding and using personal stories.

Talk about stories to open hearts and minds!!!

Wednesday, October 17 | The Straight Ally: Putting the A in LGBTQ

When did you know you were straight?

I never question a person’s identity unless someone asks me about it or points it out. It’s not something I look for or seek to figure out. I respect the individual for who they are first.

This question was asked to the panel. A question that struck my understanding of who I am and how I identify myself. It is something that I never really thought about until one of my closest friends told me he was bisexual during our freshman year of college. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what to think. I just had numerous questions for him as well as myself. I began to realize that not everyone is like me; not everyone is attracted to the opposite sex. Since then, my friend and I have become even closer.

I feel comfortable in asking or telling him anything. He has taught me to embrace differences and understand people where they are. I have learned to love people for who they are. I have discovered that the best thing one can do is to listen and be open, honest and empathetic. It’s truly about the unique personal stories.

I have realized how many things I take for granted. For the most part, everywhere I go, I feel safe. I don’t have to worry about getting a job or being criticized for my sexual orientation. Most people don’t take the time to think about what it means to identify as LGBT or the privileges that come with being straight. While many people don’t think about when they knew they were attracted to the opposite sex, numerous LGBT individuals are often asked when they came out or when they knew they were not straight.

Although I may never know what it feels like to be in my friend’s shoes, I strive to at least be educated on what LGBT means and be supportive.

Thursday, October 18 | Gay-la Dinner and Silent Auction

When my friend called and told me he had a free ticket for me to attend the Gay-la, I was elated! I wasn’t planning on attending due to the cost, but I was thrilled when he found a way to get me in.

The keynote speaker, Andrew Jolivette, was incredible and I wish I had a chance to listen to his presentation earlier today. I would love to hear his personal story!

It was great to see my colleagues and many U professionals supporting the LGBT community. I had the pleasure of sitting with representatives from the Office of Diversity and meeting Ed Buendia, the Director of the Ethnic Studies program and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education, Culture and Society.

From Cathy Martinez’s welcome to the Salt City Kings, it was an amazing experience to be a part of such an essential event. I am thankful for the student initiative and numerous community and campus sponsors that made this event possible. 

Friday, October 19 | The Good Stuff: Art Gallery Reception and Fashion Show

I was looking forward to this event since Monday! I brought my digital camera and chose the best seat in the house: front row. John Spillman, a friend and the individual responsible for putting on the fashion show, introduced his unique clothing line. The show was split in two; the first part included 9 males modeling Spillman’s clothing to music while the second part involved the 9 models walking around the New Student Lounge with words painted on their bodies. These words (dirty, obscene, filthy, etc) expressed Spillman’s desire to create awareness of the importance of freedom of speech. It was a way to talk about the original Pride week posters and what they meant to him. Through words and artistic expression, he created a powerful message.

Thursday, November 15 | Debating Discrimination

I left the debate feeling frustrated.

I was speechless, yet I had so many things to say. 

I couldn’t believe how ignorant people were.

I wanted to cry.

I couldn’t imagine going to work and being afraid to be who I am.

I questioned why people didn’t understand the meaning of EQUALITY.

I wanted to know how long my close friends had to wait before they could have equal rights in the workplace. 

I wanted to cry.

The world would be a better place if people opened their hearts and minds.

ABOUT ME:

My name is Yevgeniya Kopeleva and I am a junior at the University of Utah studying mass communication with an emphasis in news editorial. I never thought I would enjoy journalism until I took an Introduction to News Writing class last fall. It made me realize how difficult it is to write the ideal story and here I am, still striving to perfect my craft.

I love writing profiles because I am passionate about people and feel as though every individual has a story to tell. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in student affairs at a university and use the journalism skills I have gained to be a voice and advocate for the students.  

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MY STORIES:

• Niños on skis
• A diverse education in Salt Lake City
• Sandra Plazas: Overcoming diversity
• Su Banco opening up opportunities

MY BLOG: Patricia Quijano Dark

After the winter break and not thinking about journalism for a while, I was a bit nervous when Patricia Quijano Dark came to our class for an interview. However, after a few minutes I felt more comfortable and her friendliness and openness certainly helped. It was interesting to hear all of her experiences from working at Marie Claire in England, to editing for Clarín and living in Argentina. After the interview I felt like I wanted to do more than just write the usual profile story. Along with that Utah House Bill 241 was an issue that was in the forefront of my mind, and it specifically related to the Latino community. I interviewed professor Armando Solorzano to hear his experiences and get his ideas and opinions. I also interviewed my friend Carlos Paz. Both offered unique stories about their own lives and in my opinion they shared some very powerful thoughts with me. The greatest difficulty I had was trying to figure out how to combine all the great information I felt I had and turn it into a story that made sense. From my rough draft to my final draft I ended up taking out two pages in my effort to make it more concise.

Sandra Plazas
For my profile story on Sandra Plazas I felt that I wanted to give an overview the challenge she faced in coming to the United States and creating her own newspaper and business. She was especially helpful in answering my follow up questions after the interview in class. The story also brought up the ideas of education in the community, while also discussing the importance of service, things that Plazas emphasizes in her own life.

Su Banco
In class every student was assigned a story to write on out of class. My assignment was to cover the program Su Banco, at the University of Utah’s English Language Institute. I spoke with the program director Rick Van De Graaf and Theresa Martinez, the woman who helped create it. They were both very helpful in providing me information about the program and they shared interesting ideas. I encountered many challenges in my efforts to contact Su Banco students. However, I was eventually able to attend a class and speak with the students in person. They shared their desire to learn the English language with me. The common goals for the students were self-improvement, better education and better job opportunities. From my view the Su Banco program is aiding in all of these goals.

Niños on Skis
Another assignment we had in class was to create or enterprise our own story. We brought in ideas to class and my fellow students gave their opinions on which story might be best. I decided to go with my idea to write about the Niños on Skis program at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park City, Utah. The program director, Ernest Oriente was very helpful in sharing his ideas, experiences and thoughts about the program. He also arranged for me to ski with the group so I could interview participants. Father Bob Bussen, who had the idea for the program several years ago, spoke with me about its beginnings and about the generous contributors who make the program possible. Skiing with the boys and girls while interviewing and taking photographs was an interesting and fun experience. I interviewed on the chairlifts and during short breaks. Then while the participants skied down runs I took pictures with my camera. The constant snowfall complicated things somewhat while I tried to maintain clean equipment, but it was a challenging, fun and unique experience.

ABOUT ME:

My name is Erik Daenitz and I am a 20-year-old student in mass communication at the University of Utah. In 1995, I moved with my family from La Cañada, Calif., to Park City, Utah. I graduated in 2005 from Park City High School and decided to stay in the state for college in order to enjoy the many outdoor activities that Utah offers. While my active life initially led me to pursue a degree in athletic training, I ended up switching majors.

My interest in journalism actually came about because of another interest of mine in photography. However, I felt that I wanted to have as many skills as possible in order to open up different job opportunities. I chose the news editorial track in mass communication because I felt it would help me improve my writing skills. Besides improving my writing it has also shown me the importance of connecting with people. My journalism classes of the past two semesters have forced me to leave my own box, or my own world. I have learned about things I never knew existed, and I have met people that are doing many things to improve the lives of others.

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MY STORIES:

• DIA: The first fully bilingual school in Salt Lake
• Mundo Hispano: Uniting the community for 15 years and counting
  
• MESA: Representing the underrepresented
• A unique business collaboration in West Valley City

MY BLOG:

Writer’s Blog: April 2, 2008

I’m not one to judge people by their appearance. I’d like to think that there’s still some good in society. Yet there are many people out there who do. I understand that what we know in this world is based on our experiences, but why be prejudiced against a person you don’t even know? It’s an ongoing question. But as a journalist, what can I do about it?

I truly believe that knowledge is power and I think if people are educated then they will become more understanding. I want to help people understand that the diversity in people is what makes our country unique. I think that everyone in this world has a story and I want to be the one who has the privilege of sharing it.

This class has been great because it has prepared me for the real world. The deadlines have been the death of me, but I realized a long time ago that I do some of my best work when I’m under pressure. There were challenges that I had to overcome. For example, I had to go out of my comfort zone when I wrote my enterprise story. I grew up in West Valley City and I’ve always noticed, in my generation and in this city, a racial tension between Asians and Hispanics. I don’t know why and I don’t know if it’s true, but I, along with a few people I know, have experienced it (i.e. incidents involving physical violence or an exchange of racial slurs that would turn into physical violence). It was difficult for me to go into the Hispanic market area to interview people because of my past experiences, but I did it. I knew that this story would be a great example of how these two communities can get along and I did not want to miss the opportunity to share this with others. I’m glad I did it.

ABOUT ME:

My name is Phi (pronounced fee) Tran and I love to write. It’s what I do and it’s what I’m good at. I have a passion to write about issues that are important to me. I am going to be 23 years old this July and will be graduating from the University of Utah in December 2008. My degree is going to be in mass communication with an emphasis in news editorial; however, I’m very interested in broadcast as well. People have told me that I should go with whichever one I like more, but that’s the problem. I like them both equally and I’ve asked myself, why not do both? If I decide to do one or the other or both, I think that my degree will pertain to both electronic and print journalism.

I decided to go into journalism when I was in high school and there were two reasons behind that. One was because of the experience I gained from working on a summer literary magazine for Upward Bound, an educational program at the U for high school students. I liked being able to share what was important to me with the public. The second reason was because one of my sisters told me that I was good at writing and I really value her opinion.

I hope that my articles give you a better insight into who I am as an individual, but also what I am capable of doing as a writer.

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MY STORIES:

• Newspaper struggles to achieve media diversity on U campus
• Local newspaper marks 15 years of bringing communities together
• Dual Immersion Academy succeeds despite setbacks, bigotry
• Local chef finds success and celebrity after fleeing Cuba

MY BLOGS:

March 18, 2008: The Community

I was excited when I heard the beat we would be covering as a class this semester was the various Hispanic communities along the Wasatch Front. These communities are familiar to me from my many years living in Los Angeles. Many of my best friends are Hispanic –- Cuban, Brazilian, Puerto Rican, Colombian and Spanish. My partner of eight years was a Texan with Mexican heritage.

It was interesting to be covering these local communities at the same time that the Utah Legislature was in session. Immigration issues were probably the dominant topic on Capitol Hill this year, and these issues were raised in some form in just about every interview I conducted.

March 21, 2008: The Recorder

I decided to try using a recorder for the first time in this class as part of my note taking process. I had heard conflicting opinions on their use, but decided to try it anyway. I’m glad I did. The first thing I noticed was that it relaxed me a lot. I was able to pay more attention to what was being said and think ahead a few beats instead of stressing that I wasn’t getting every last word down correctly for a good quote.

I also learned a lot about myself. For example, I noticed that when I am not really prepared for what I’m going to say or ask, I start to talk really fast in a very high-pitched voice and clip the end of most of my sentences. It made me laugh the first time I listened to it. The lesson? Be extra prepared.

March 26, 2008: Getting the Interview as a Student Journalist

One thing that frustrated me while working on stories throughout the semester was how hard it was to get people to take me seriously when I requested interviews and then disclosed that I was doing a story for a class –- even when I mentioned that the story would be in a real, live, published online magazine produced by the class.

The change in tone was discernable, and predictable. I would leave a message indicating I was doing a story and get a call back from someone eager to help. In the course of the conversation the fact that I was doing the story for a class would come out, and then I would hear it. “Oh.” And suddenly a live interview might not be doable … but whoever it was would be happy to take some email questions.

March 29, 2008: Opposite Experiences

Two stories during the semester provided me with experience at both ends of the spectrum of difficulty regarding sources and interviews. For one story, I would ask a question and get two pages of notes in reply. It was an interviewer’s dream. The other story made me feel as though I was hunting someone down. I was ignored, avoided, and then offered time with my subject only minutes in advance. Somehow, though, I was able to get good stories out of both experiences.

April 3, 2008: Goals

Coming into the class this semester I knew that my main area of weakness as I prepared for my new career as a journalist was the reporting part –- the live-source, news gathering part. I knew my writing skills were pretty good, I knew I was good at researching, organizing and presenting information, but I had never interviewed people to get facts and quotes. The newness of it caused me more anxiety than I had anticipated. I found myself very nervous during a couple of my initial interviews.

ABOUT ME:

I am a senior majoring in Mass Communication with plans to graduate in spring 2009. I am an older, non-traditional student at the university, returning to make a career change after almost two decades working as an advertising and marketing copywriter and project manager in Los Angeles. After I earn my B.S. with a news editorial emphasis, I intend to begin working as a political journalist.

I currently write a weekly opinion column for The Daily Utah Chronicle and work full-time for the University of Utah College of Pharmacy research center.

I was born on an Air Force base in Germany at the height of the Cold War, and raised in several different cities, including Salt Lake City. After graduating from Alta High School, I spent three years at Utah State University and the University of Utah in the 1980s, bouncing around as an English, theater and political science major before leaving school for California.

I have had a strong interest in politics and the political process since I was very young. To this day my parents joke about the time, when I was just 11 years old, I wanted to throw a party to celebrate Richard Nixon’s resignation.

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MY STORIES:

On vacation in Hawaii 2007.

• Tribal leader training in SLC provides growth, opportunity
• For Cal Nez it’s all in the journey
• Utah Navajo strings colorful beads, warm traditions
• West Valley Navajo seeks Indian tradition

MY BLOG: Epiphany of a gray-haired college student

I’m old.

OK, I’m 47 years old, and attending college for the first time. And while some in this universe might say, “Hey lady, you’ve missed the boat, take a load off,” I tend to favor those around me who think attending school, gray hair and all, is a pretty great thing.

When I complain about not being able to retain information, they say, “But look how much wiser you are!”

When I wish for more time with my grandchildren they say, “Look. You need to spend time with them, so balance it. Are you trying for that ridiculous “A” again?”

They would be right, of course. That “A” keeps the scholarships coming; keeps school free, at least in the finance department.

So, what’s wrong with a “B”?

Nothing. Everything. OK, when I was in high school I didn’t get good grades. I felt stupid and thought that college was for smart, nerdy folks who didn’t have a life. I wanted a life so I didn’t go.

Now I’m richer than some and poorer than most. A college education in my younger days would have been a great thing.

Of course, I try not to think about that. I try to remember the positive nudges from family and friends who know how tough this is for me; who know I will get a job after all of this that will actually pay me closer to what I’m worth. Yes, that would be beyond minimum wage.

I tell them I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

They smile. After all the late nights, saying “no” to various engagements and pretty much not having a heck of a lot of room in my head to think about much else but homework, tests and lack of sleep, they probably see the light too.

ABOUT ME:

I am a published writer of fiction and nonfiction and currently work freelance for The Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake Magazine and Gardner Village. I enjoy feature writing and creative writing. To learn more about me, visit my Web site. 

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MY STORIES:

• Adapting to a new home in Salt Lake City
• Salt Lake City is fighting human trafficking
• Issa Moursal, determined not to fail
• Sports are their safe haven

 
MY BLOG:

The refugee community is a group of people that is strong at its core.  Before reporting on the refugee groups I must admit, I did not know very much about them. 

In many cases they stick together. They support one another. Some refugees get better jobs than others and some have more experience than others and they use these advantages to better the community as a whole.

I have had the chance to meet and talk to refugees. Most often the refugees come from backgrounds that are very difficult and challenging. Many have left their families, friends and their culture.

I have learned through reporting that English is a big obstacle for most refugees. It handicaps their abilities and makes even the simplest things difficult to get through.

I have met some amazing individuals during the past two months or so. Some are individuals who are selfless and willing to sacrifice to help others succeed.  Others are individuals who have been through those hard times and have found ways to overcome the difficult backgrounds from which they came. All are bettering the world.

As I continue to learn about this particular community I continue to be amazed at the resilience and happiness that these people share. They may not have many temporal possessions, but most carry with them such joy and strength that it is very hard not to be moved by their stories.

My goal in my articles is to bring a better understanding of not only the particular individuals I talked to but also those groups and organizations that are involved with the refugee community. I hope that as you read my articles you too will gain a better appreciation for how they better our city and our nation.

ABOUT ME:

Currently I am working on a sports broadcasting degree along with a gusiness degree at the University of Utah. I have a passion and love for sports and ultimately want to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. Talking is one of my strengths; I guess this is why I would love to talk for a career.

I have a very outgoing and relaxed way of looking at life. I have a motto, not take anything too serious unless it has to do with family or friends. Life is too short to worry about the little stuff.  

Staying active is very important to me. It doesn’t matter whether I am riding dirt bikes or golfing, as long as I am doing something active I am happy.

I am recently married to my beautiful wife who is also studying at the University of Utah and we love all of the new adventures we are sharing together.

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