Chapter 9

I like Allen's idea of only spending two minutes per email. It makes getting through the quick emails more organized, and makes you feel like there's not so much on your plate when you go back to respond to the filed, longer emails. I also like the idea of a "Waiting On" and "Read This" folder.

The "Inbox Zero" concept by Merlin Mann could be immensely useful even for graduate students working on a research project. Having a list of emails from group members with different articles to go through is something that should be sorted through at least once a day.

The data-driven journalism section is an interesting one, because I feel either news organizations are masters at having databases, or they are terrible at it. Going to a certain news website to find a database can be a maze sometimes. Public records databases are the most useful I've come across as a journalist so far.

McClellan Profile

Marcie McClellan is a first year graduate student specializing in Health and Medical Journalism at the University of Georgia’s Grady College. McClellan is not new to Georgia. In 2007 she received her bachelors in English from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. McClellan admits that living in Athens is still a big adjustment. “While I have lived in Georgia for the past 7 years, I’m still trying to adjust to living in Athens.”

After graduating from Spelman, McClellan went on to work for Fulton County Government as an Information and Publication Coordinator. She wrote and designed the bi-annual magazine What’s Really Going On: Youth Violence in Fulton County.

Marcie would not stay in that role for long, as she was eager to learn about the various facets of county government. “I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to serve in a few different positions. I learned a lot about the different aspects of graduate school.”

She went on to become a program developer and eventually the Call to Womanhood Coordinator, the position she most recently held. As the Call to Womanhood Coordinator McClellan was responsible for the successful development and execution of Fulton County’s Call to Womanhood programming. The Call to Womanhood programs consists of two initiatives: The Fulton County Youth Leadership Academy for Girls and Priceless University.

But today McClellan has focused her interests on health disparities. Her ultimate goal is to change the way historically underrepresented and low socioeconomic populations receive information regarding their health and well-being. That was one of the main reasons McClellan came to Grady College at the University of Georgia. “I was really glad that Grady had a Health and Medical Journalism concentration” says McClellan.

"I have a very hectic schedule. Therefore I have had to rely heavily on my time management and organization skills." Although she admits that adjusting to juggling classes, an assistantship, her internship, and living in a new city is a lot she is grateful for the opportunity.

Chelsey Willis Profile

A native of Lincolnton, Georgia, Chelsey graduated from Lincoln County High School in 2003 and followed in her family’s footsteps by attending undergraduate level classes at the University of Georgia. As an undergraduate, Chelsey was a member of the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta and volunteered at the local animal shelter in Athens-Clarke County. She graduated from UGA in 2007 where she attained two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Italian and Political Science.

Upon graduation, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia to work as an Italian language of destination flight attendant for Delta Air Lines. She was forced to commute to Cincinnati, Ohio as is it was her initial base for nine months. However, in March of 2008, she was accepted into Delta’s hub in Atlanta, Georgia and has been there ever since. As a flight attendant, she has traveled to numerous places she never dreamed she would ever see: Johannesburg, South Africa and Moscow, Russia among others. Now, she has returned to Athens to pursue a Masters degree in Journalism and continues to fly around the world on the weekends.

In her little moments of spare time, Chelsey enjoys going to the movies, reading a good book, or spending time with her two short hair domestic cats, Samson and Rascal. She also loves to sleep since it’s something she doesn’t get to do a lot. She is happy to be back in Athens and can’t wait to go to another football game at Sanford Stadium as long as she can get a Saturday off.

Emily Profile by Patrick McGinn

Parker Profile- Patrick McGinn

Stale coffee, overcrowded buses and bright fluorescent lights. Yes it’s that time

of the year again where we pretend to be scholars and slog through another semester. But

this isn’t just another semester for Grady graduate student, Emily Parker, it’s her first.

Parker, a 22-year-old native of Jacksonville, Fla., received her bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from the University of Florida just this past spring. The broadcasting industry isn’t where she attends to stake her future though.

“I was offered a production job at a news station in Jacksonville, but there was little chance I’d get paid a decent salary and I don’t think that’s where my future lies.”

She applied to Auburn, the University of Florida and the University of Georgia for graduate school, but knew she needed a change.

“Gainesville was great for four years, but I really think Athens has a lot more to offer for me.”

A major influence in guiding her career path was her mother, Susan, who already held a senior corporate communication position at World Medical, a medical supplier based out of Jacksonville. She not only considers her “the best mom in the world”, but reveres her for balancing a full-time career and spending any spare time with her.

Ironically enough, Donna Deegan, who happens to be one of the most famous news anchors in the Jacksonville market graduated with her mother from high school 35 years ago. She and Deegan have a personal and professional friendship that allows her enormous insight into the cutthroat and ever-diminishing world of local television. She understands how critical their guidance has been leading up to this point.

When she’s not trying to be overloaded by four graduate level classes, she’ll more than likely be running.

“That’s my idea of a perfect day, waking up early in the morning and running on the beach. Followed by a whole day of laying out in the sun, with a beverage or two perhaps.”

She also plays tennis recreationally and when she is back home she loves to fish on St. John’s River, meandering through the heart of Jacksonville. As much as she already loves Athens, she will definitely miss the hundreds of sun drenched beaches lining Florida’s Atlantic coast.

Parker is very organized and can’t stand people who aren’t operating on her same neat wavelength.

“I don’t know if I could date someone who had a messy room, it would drive me crazy!”

She also has a penchant for drinking Diet Coke. Aspartame aside, she doesn’t see herself kicking the habit anytime soon.

“I drink Diet Coke like it’s going to be gone tomorrow, it’s pretty bad.”

She has some reservations about taking four graduate courses this semester, but figures she might as well get it out of the way in her first semester.

“I don’t want to be stuck in graduate school forever, so the more classes I take now, the sooner I’ll be able to get my degree.”

There’s really only one tough question Parker has to answer. Who will she pull for at the world’s largest cocktail party, (The UGA vs. UF football game in Jacksonville). She might be conflicted about the answer but knows that this is where she needs to be in her life.

Xiao Kui Huang Profile

Xiao Kui Huang reported for her first class at the University of Georgia Monday morning with myriad concerns. Her brown eyes wide, she revealed some trepidation as to her ability to “follow the program, not fall behind.”

To be sure, Huang’s non-native English and previous concentration in French present major obstacles for a student of journalism at an American university. However, the work she has completed to date—whether professionally or within her course of study—yields more relevancy than meets the résumé.

Huang completed her undergraduate study at Zhejiang University (ranked 3^rd in her home country of China) this past July with a major in French. For the conferral of her degree, Huang composed a 30-page thesis in French on Les Années culturelles sino-françoises, a program that took place between 2004 and 2006 in the countries of France and China, respectively.

In her thesis, Huang elucidated the positive effects of the program, which allowed artists and performers to showcase their talents in another country and continent. Huang noted political and economic improvements for both France and China as a result of Les Années. More importantly, however, she noted her own knack for reporting.

In Huang’s view, the zenith of journalistic education resides in the U.S, where reporting practices are both “more free” and “more structured” than in her native China. As for pursuing her journalistic education in France, in which she spent six months during her baccalaureate study, Huang laments the propensity of French publications to consider only the French point of view. To counter accusations of ethnocentricity towards American journalists, Huang asserts, “There is a reason why the United States thinks of themselves as the center of the world.”

To decide upon a particular American institution, Huang applied to the top 5 graduate programs in journalism. Having had a chance to settle in, Huang realizes that coming to Athens is as beneficial to her psyche as it is to her schooling. “The past two weeks here is more pleasant than my time in other countries,” she beams, lauding in particular the acceptance of differences on the part of locals.

Looking to the future, Huang sees herself bringing American journalistic practices back home. She believes that, as the eyes of the world turn to China, journalists can impact the country’s effectiveness. Huang explains, “Communication contributes to economics and policy; that’s why I chose to switch my major.”

However, Huang does not view journalist as her ultimate career goal. Having held internships at two Chinese publications, one in her hometown of Dalian and the other at the Hong Kong Commercial Daily, she recognizes her particular skill set as being compatible with the position of editor, ideally at a magazine.

Huang is confident that the knowledge of theory and journalistic experience she amasses here at Grady will see her to her goal. “Really, I like to write something that I actually experience, as opposed to something I imagine,” she explains. In order to become an editor, Huang starts now as a journalist. Wherever her studies at Grady will take her, Huang is certainly ready for the trip.

Profile of Felicia Harris

The start of any new school year means a new chapter in anyone’s life. People are going back to school to chase their dreams and find a way to better their careers and their lives. Felicia Harris will be one of the many who is starting a new school year at the University of Georgia.

Harris , 22, is starting her master’s program at the Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She received her Bachelor of the Arts Degree in English from Columbus State University in the spring of 2010.

“I chose (Grady) because it was only two and a half hours away from home and it was consistently ranked among the top journalism schools in the nation. My concentration is journalism, so that helps.”

Many young people will seek schools that either help them stay near their home; or to help them explore new territories. Yet for Harris, remaining somewhat close to Columbus remains a very important aspect of her school choice.

“I have a son who is two and a half years old. He is living with his father, Craig, in Columbus right now. “

Harris still concentrates on the future. When asked what she intends to do after her time at school, relocation seemed to be a key factor. “I intend to move to one of the big publishing hubs in the world. New York, London, and Chicago are my top choices. That just seems to be where all of the work is and will continue to be.”

However, at a time when traditional newsprint is undergoing a dramatic change and the publishing centers of the world may move dramatically, Harris does remain skeptical about whether or not the online presence will destroy traditional print. “I do fell” Harris explained “that print may survive as a niche market. Print is simply more traditional, and I am old fashioned.” Additionally, Harris feels that there will always be others who follow her philosophy. “I have a feeling that someone will always want to grab a printed copy. You simply cannot take (an iPad or Kindle) into the bathroom to read with you!”

Despite her future plans, Harris is right now concentrating on the present. Part of the challenge, she explains, is getting into a routine to help her through the day. “I drink herbal tea every morning” she said “but the biggest part is the music. Up tempo rap gets me ‘amped up.’” Music, Harris stated, is simply something that helps her in general. “Music helps me transition between different things. I listen to ‘bedtime music’ before I go to sleep and ‘church music’ before I go to church. It puts me in a groove.”

The future is bright for many students. Harris is certainly no exception; her determination and her ideas will likely make her one of the standout students of journalism at UGA. At the very least, her recommendations of herbal tea and music to help start the day may help many students still seeking for a way to cope with the start of a new year.

profile of Chelsea Toledo

Chelsea Toledo is a typical graduate student on her first day at UGA's Grady college of Journalism and Mass Communication. "I'm just as nervous as all the others" she said.

Three roller-coaster years have rushed past since Toledo last sat in a classroom. Toledo began college majoring in classical singing at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. But she suffered a throat injury that silenced her singing, did some thinking and realized that despite her love for music, she wanted to pursue a career that was less fragile. Following successful throat surgery, Toledo transferred to UGA and graduated in 2007 with a degree in linguistic.

Although undergraduate school seemed relatively easy, thanks to all the French, German and Italian Toledo learned as a singer, Toledo's application for graduate studies in linguistics was turned down.

The following years were the nadir of her young life. Toledo signed up for two-years with Teach for America but quit after six months. She learned to be a barista, served coffee, and helped other people prep for the GRE. Then she and her husband decided to start their own magazine.

The magazine is named L+C Quarterly, stands for Lion + Canary or Literature + Criticism. Toledo will write a column called “From the beautiful mind of your barista”. The magazine will be available free in the waiting rooms.

And this is how Toledo arrived for her new adventure at Grady College.

“I lack background. I am not trained in the realm. What am I going to learn?” freak out like all other new faces, Chelsea receive great help from the professors.

Toledo chose health and medical journalism as her concentration, even though that has no obvious connection with the magazine, because, it appears to her that “it is better to have a concentration than not to”.

Fortunately, she doesn’t have to decide everything right now or even after two years of graduate school. Toledo hopes that after several weeks’ classes, her concerns will disappear.

Now all we have to do is to look forward to Chelsea’s magazine. Those new students who have either manpower or material, contact Chelsea and see if it will be a great opportunity and arena to enrich your own journey.

Profile of Patrick McGinn

McGinnprofile_Parker

Classes at The University of Georgia resume today and the look of summer around Athens is fading. Sorority recruitment is over, football season is right around the corner and Athens nightlife is sure to be back in full swing. Scared freshmen distinguish themselves with their eyes on campus maps.

Some begin their journey at UGA in need of a map, but are steps above scared freshman status. Well, they at least can cover up that they’re scared. Graduate student Patrick McGinn, 22, begins his journey today and says he’s even needed a map to find his first classes.

McGinn is a graduate student from College of Charleston starting his master’s program in mass communication. He majored in media studies during undergrad, which he says is the closest thing to journalism at College of Charleston. He also interned at a newspaper there. It seems a crazy twist of fate brought him to UGA.

“I wasn’t even going to apply” said McGinn. “My coworker mentioned it, talked about Grady College, and I applied. I got in. She didn’t, and she had way better grades than me.”

That late November decision to apply has led him back to Athens, and this time as a student. McGinn’s father went to vet school at UGA and he has, in the past, traveled from Charleston to football games. But that wasn’t the only draw.

“REM” said McGinn. “I like the alternative music scene. Where I’m from there’s a lot of country, beach music. It’s O.K., but Athens has a great alternative music scene. It’s like a smaller, hillier Charleston.”

McGinn has combined his passion for music with his journalism career. He was a DJ at the College of Charleston campus radio station. McGinn says he had a regular listenership of about fifty to sixty people.

His real calling to print journalism has led him to where his career goals stand at this point. McGinn is hoping to continue working in Athens for the Flagpole, which is similar to the newspaper he worked for in Charleston. It focuses on his own interests, film and music.

His career intersts are vaguely outlined by his role model, Hunter S. Thompson. But after a trip three years ago, McGinn has a specific, best-job-of-all-time dream.

“Move to Dublin and become the AP Bureau Chief there, if they even have a Bureau in Dublin.”

McGinn is also familiar with screenplay writing and is interested in writing for movies. He is basically interested in writing for an array of things.

“The Irish movie industry isn’t exactly big, but I’ve seen a few good ones” Said McGinn. “I may write for some more screen plays while I’m here in Athens.”

As for the nightlife, McGinn isn’t sure how much time he’ll have for that now that he’s in grad school.

“I went out a lot my freshman and sophomore years of college, on the weekends. Not sure how much time I’ll have now that I’m starting my scholarly career.”

Profile of Daniel Suddes

SuddesProfile_Harris

The University of Georgia Graduate School continued its Centennial Celebration as students of the 100^th official entering class began courses on August 16, 2010.

For students who received bachelor’s degrees from UGA, more commonly known as “Double Dawgs,” this transition may come with ease. However, for other incoming grad students, this transition might take some getting used too.

Last Thursday, Daniel Suddes, a master’s degree candidate at Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, arrived in town to a friend’s cozy couch just in time for his departmental orientation.

In Athens, many apartments hold “move-in day” the Saturday before classes start, which left 23-year-old Suddes crashing with a friend until the weekend. With not nearly enough time to get settled in, he began his first day of graduate school with a parking space mix-up at his apartment and not nearly enough coffee.

“I don’t want to get towed,” said Suddes, “but I don’t want to tow anyone, because that’s not a great way to make friends.” Other than his friend who allowed him to crash last week, Suddes’ closest friend or relative lives about an hour away. However, Grady’s friendly atmosphere is one of the reasons why Suddes decided to make Athens, and UGA, his new home.

Suddes, who received his bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Oglethorpe University, a very small but renowned school in Atlanta, said that it was probably his Graduate Coordinator Debbie Sickles who helped to make him feel at home, along with other friendly Grady faces.

“The size of the school hasn’t intimidated me because I know a lot of it I’ll never see,” said Suddes, whose biggest concern about graduate school is keeping his assistantship. “I want to continue to impress everyone,” he said.

In regards to Athens, Suddes doesn’t seem too impressed. “It’s a nice town with its own atmosphere, but there’s not that much variety here,” said Suddes. The Fairfax, VA native has hopped around the South, including stops in South Carolina and Atlanta before Athens.

“Some aspects seem unusual here,” said Suddes. When presented with the $3 green fee that funds an Office of Sustainability on campus, he had questions. “I’m very liberal on a bunch of things, but the green movement is not one of them.”

Suddes also found the locally-owned businesses populating downtown as one of those aspects. “In Atlanta, there are a lot of chains and they [locally-owned businesses] are pushed to the outskirts,” he said.

While downtown, Suddes also took notice of the several bars that Athens has to offer, however, holds no interest in them. As for UGA being The Princeton Review’s newly named #1 Party School, Suddes isn’t interested in that either. “I don’t have any feeling about it one way or the other; that’s not the reason why I came here.”

It was a very different ranking that brought Suddes to Athens; the nationally top-ranked programs at Grady College. The University of Georgia was one of two graduate schools that offered letters of acceptance to Suddes.

For now, Suddes is excited about his new adventure in Athens and at UGA, and about the professors and people he is going to meet along the way.

Daniel Suddes

Welcome to Journalism Next Conversations

This blog is a site for master's students at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication enrolled in the Graduate Newsroom course.
For the multimedia lab portion of the course, students throughout the semester will be reading Mark Brigg's new book,"Journalism Next"and posting some of their assignments from the book to this site.