If I learned anything about journalism from Kolata’s presentation, I learned that one can still be personable as a journalist. Throughout her presentation, Kolata would make little jokes, or she would mess up on a date, or admit she could not exactly remember a specific procedure the doctors used. It was reassuring and refreshing to see someone who was so successful in the field of journalism be so human. I have found that there is a fine line between adding one’s personal voice to a piece and coming off as biased. The concept of objectivity is starting to be ingrained into my head, and I was starting to think journalists were simply robots writing out facts and linking them into sentences. As extreme as that may sound, this is how I perceived the field of journalism as a first year student with no journalism background. Her presentation was a good reminder that one can be objective and be interesting. Kolata had the ability to add her own personal flair to her presentation, but still stuck to the truth.

Hesitant at first, I am glad I took on this mini project. It gave me more insight into what a real life journalists is like. I enjoyed taking notes on Kolata. I learned about a subject that I did not know anything about, and I ended up finding her presentation worthwhile. It was good to try something a little outside of my comfort zone. Next time, I want to make sure I have time to stay to interview students afterwards to get their perspective on the speaker. (Unfortunately, I had a time constraint that limited me from staying for part of a Q&A at the end.) Apart from interviewing, I need to learn how to take notes to write a story. I think one of the best ways for me to learn is by doing what I did: going out and trying my best to be a reporter. Experience is a very valuable way to learn and to apply what I have learned in the classroom. Initially only doing this project with the incentive for extra-credit, I am content to recognize the value I got out of this experience.