In an effort to get the staff thinking about National Scholastic Journalism Week, Feb. 20-26, ’00 alumna Lynn Swanbom, left, speaks to 24 of the 32 staff members on The Feather during lunch and part of seventh period, Feb. 15.
“I’m proud to see my alma mater giving so many students good hands-on publication experience that will be an asset in any academic or employment context,” Swanbom said.
Swanbom, who is now a copy editor of the Spokane newspaper, The Spokesman-Review, works on the night desk proofing copy, writing display text and designing pages. She shared her experience delving into the career field of journalism.
After graduating from LeTourneau University in ’04 with degrees in History/Political Science and English, she proceeded to Tarleton State University in ’06 with an M.A. in English. She decided to pursue a law degree, but through a summer internship, she realized that this vision was not for her.
Swanbom then spent time considering which path to choose, and moved to Spokane, applying for various jobs. There, she was placed on the staff of The Spokesman-Review.
The alumna spoke of her experiences — both career uncertainty and journalism — with advice for The Feather’s staff members. Through this, she offered accolades and criticism for the staffers to consider.
“Attention to detail and to ease of use will be your best friends in producing an overall effect of quality and usefulness,” Swanbom said. “Continue to work hard for the satisfaction of having a good product and for the confidence you’ll gain as you keep trying things you’ve never done before.”
For junior Dana King, Swanbom’s motivation to take advantage of opportunities to generate new abilities was encouraging.
“Personally, I think I have a plan about what I want to do when I go to college, but hearing about how everything changed once she arrived and was in the environment of choice, it’s nice to have other options,” King said.
“It was really cool that she could fall back onto writing and make it applicable in her life. It was encouraging to hear her speak, and her advice is good motivation to think about when I am working with my friends, because it shows that there is hope for the future.”
For more information on professional journalism, e-mail Lynn Swanbom.
