Retention: Effort = Results
None of us are strangers to the concept of retention. In academia, it is often viewed as a dirty word signaling the profit portion of higher education. But, nonetheless, every college I have ever taught at has focused on the importance of retaining students, and every employer stressed the need to retain quality employees.
Personally, we have a natural desire, too, to retain relationships with friends and loved ones. Retention is not easy, though. It’s a pull and play concept. You have to work to pull the person in, work to show the benefits of the institution or relationship, and work to maintain the results.
The problem is that most people don’t actively retain; instead, they sit back and hope for the best. Read more »
Feature This: Stories With Heart
Feature stories have heart. Feature stories have warmth. Most of all, feature stories force a writer/reporter to evaluate the human side of a community – beyond the facts, beyond the opinions – to find the spirit of the story.
I have always favored feature stories (or soft news) as a writer because it gives me the chance to get to know people on a higher level than straight news reporting (hard news) does. Beyond that, it also forces me to work as a reporter with feelings – yes, some reporters have actual feelings 
. Read more »
Mistaken Identity: It Wasn’t Me
Years ago, a friend of mine said I looked like Diane Keaton. Although I respect her work as an actress and think that she has aged beautifully, I was quite offended. Primarily, this struck a nerve because she was MUCH older than I was.
At first I blew it off and thought that it was just the current bob I was sporting. But, the more I thought about it, the more I fumed. It didn’t feel so good to be compared because I felt like I lost my own identity. Read more »
Tales from the Middle School Carpool
A few days a week I drive around with extra kids and gain more insight than most parents receive in a month’s time. Even though transporting a car full of 11 and 12 year olds home from school doesn’t sound like a joy ride, I am one of the rare parents who actually looks forward to it.
In just a half hour, I receive an education most parents would pay big bucks for. I have to admit that I often learn more than I want to know, but more importantly, I’m learning more about my daughter and her environment. Read more »
Sweet Dreams
Dreams have always fascinated me to the point that it irritates me when I can’t recall the details of my dreamy sagas. There are times when I wake up agitated knowing that something in my dreams sparked the feeling. There are times when I wake up at peace knowing that something or someone inspired me while I slept.
Dreams are mysterious, though, and as much as it bothers me to not know, it’s probably best that I don’t. Read more »
Lucky 7: Seven Websites Student Journalists Should Follow
Ever since I began this whirlwind journey into college media advising, I have been scouring resources to pass on to my students. I’m a social media groupie and have found some of the best sites, blogs, and organizations an immense help in navigating the ever-changing field of journalism.
Majority of my students have little to no interest in Twitter, but ironically, majority of the tips and industry updates I receive come from my contacts on Twitter. So, I thought I’d pass these on with the hopes of encouraging my team to follow the trends and the advice from the best of the best. Read more »
Just Say No
It’s no secret that I am a chronic “yes” girl. I can’t say no even when I am buried with projects, work, and family life. Another committee? Sure. Come in on my day off? Why not? Need parent volunteers? I’m your girl.
There are times when I just want to say no, when I want to put the grading pen down, and when I just want to turn off my cell phone for the evening. I didn’t think I could until last night. Read more »
Smiles, Tears, and Dirty Terry
As a parent, you will do just about anything to see your child smile. We sit through endless hours of dance lessons, cub scout meetings, soccer practices, and choir concerts. We pick out kid-friendly meals, buy over-priced Hollister shirts, and drive our kids to and from friends’ houses every weekend. It’s a small price to pay for the smiles that light up our kids’ faces.
I always said that I would draw the line with pets, specifically reptiles. But, I’m a sucker for smiles and so I caved – resulting in Dirty Terry. Read more »
Has Journalism Been Hit With an Ugly Stick?
Journalists are trained to be objective – trained to report on the good, the bad, and the ugly. However, when it comes to our own profession, we often find it difficult to see anything but the good.
The truth is that there are many ugly aspects of the job, and as this industry continues to change rapidly, many ugly trends have evolved. Read more »
Celebrating Neighbors: A Country Girl with a Giving Nature
Published in the 9/30/09 issue of the Suburban Journals
Part of the “Celebrate Your Neighbor” Award Series
A Country Girl With a Giving Nature
As a wife, mother of two, and full-time caregiver for her parents, Angela Creed might seem to have barely enough time to maintain her own rigorous schedule. Yet, according to her Columbia neighbor Mary Beth Kirkpatrick, Creed makes time to give more of herself to neighbors, community organizations, local schools, and most importantly, those in need. Read more »
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and instructor, freelance writer, and mom. This site, focused on writing, reflecting, and teaching, strives to tell the stories of the “average” person. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, you’ll find a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter. Comments are welcome!
