September (Extra Post)-Going Beyond "Our Towns"

After a few "Our Towns" and research that went into the the Courier decided it was time for me to put my research skills to the test. My second major assignment that earned me another byline was my submission to the Kids Corner, a monthly feature in the Claremont Courier Newspaper. It took me two days to complete and within this timeframe, I procured jokes/quotes and contributed to both the spread design and creation. 

Above: One of the spreads I completed for the Kid's Corner

Above: My final "Our Town" contribution featured on the site.

Above: Research I conducted of the upcoming events regarding Claremont FLOW.

Independent Component 1 Approval

1.  Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.

For my 30 hours I plan to collaborate alongside my mentor. What this entitles is making contributions to the overall design and production of the kid's corner section in the newspaper. To specify, I will undergo extensive research, initiate interviews, type up any documents given as well as my own, and ensure content submitted is eligible for any assigned pages given to me.

2.  Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.

I will document my 30 hours by taking pictures periodically, submitting pdf files and/or attachments of my contributions on the blog, and obtain my mentors signature to signify that I've completed those particular hours within the alotted timeframe.

3.  And explain how what you will be doing will help you explore your topic in more depth.

Since creativity is a key element in the foundation and creation newspaper production, the workflow isn't always consistent. What this means is that due to its fluctuation, I will be able to experience weekly deadlines which in turn ensure writing productivity and will boost my literary skills. In regards to how this will tie into my senior project on the ethics of creative nonfiction, I will be able to adopt techniques and the necessary skills needed for the journalistic aspects of the genre itself.

4.  Update your Senior Project Hours log.

Second Interview Preparation

1.  Who is your mentor and where do they work?

My mentor is Sarah Torribio, who works at the Claremont Courier.

2.  What five questions will you ask them about their background?

The five questions I will ask my mentor are as follows:

•What college courses were crucial to your growth as a writer?

•What events/experiences/influences helped shape your path as a writer?

•How has working at Claremont Courier improved your literary skills? In what ways has it played a role in how you matured as a writer?

•What are some accomplishments and or personal goals that you achieved through working at Claremont Courier?

•So far, what been your biggest challange in the field of writing? Through working at Claremont Courier have you experienced any pivotal moments?

Blog 5-Mentorship Reflection

1. Mentorship question: Describe your experience in how you found your mentorship? If you haven't found one yet, describe your experience so far in the search of a mentor.

Upon working at the Claremont Courier, I have come to understand an abundance of both techniques and a variety of aspects that are implemented into this field of writing. Through my mentorship I have learned how to properly format articles, discovered the bittersweet sense you often experience after completing extensive research, and the joys of what it means to be a journalist. While I am still confined to my computer, I have yet to grasp the concept of the duties and expectations a reporter is entitled to.

2. Research question: What has been your most important article you have read so far and why?

The most important source that I have read so far is an excerpt from Sondra Perl's, Writing True: The art and craft of creative nonfiction, which explains the the origin and definition of creative nonfiction and what aspects encompass the genre itself. Also, the techniques and references made throughout each chapter have allowed be to obtain a stronger grasp on the concept as a whole.