I’m a messy, unfocused writer at times. I make lists, slop words on a page, rant, rave, and then try to make sense of the mess. As I regularly explain to my Composition students, writing is naturally messy, but the process of cleaning up the mess is when the real writing begins. In order to craft a piece that is cohesive, concise, and focused, writers need to find personal strategies and processes that produce perfection. For me, finding my focus involves an odd tradition that has worked for me throughout the past 10 years – I put on my tennis shoes. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Category: Journalism
Why I’m a Selfish Teacher
Before I was a parent, I never bought into the line “this hurts me more than you.” If I was getting grounded or disciplined, how in the world did it pain my mom more than me? But, as an instructor, the phrase bears a hint of truth. It does hurt me when a student fails, which is why I continue to be a selfish teacher. My agenda is selfish – I want to grow and learn, too, and failure is not an option. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
I’m Young, Not Dumb
As a college instructor, I’m relatively young compared to my peers. I don’t have 20+ years experience teaching nor have I been in the journalism field that long. However, just because I’m young, it does not mean that I’m dumb. Academia can be an intimidating environment for newcomers. Ironically, in an industry that is supposed to foster fresh, new learning opportunities, the practices at some colleges and universities often discourage any type of change. The ideology of “that’s not how we do it” stops innovation in its tracks and stalls progress for both faculty and students. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Today’s Twitter Fave Five
I’ll admit it. I’m addicted to Twitter. Beyond the laughs I get from the wittiness @fakeapstylebook and @menwithpens, I have been drawn to Twitter for information I get in a minute’s notice. I don’t have to weed through RSS feeds or independent sites to get local, national, and international news; instead, I browse 140 characters of briefs that give me the option to read further if I choose to do so. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Writing: One Wild Ride
Many people often view writing as a chore – a painful task that invades their peaceful existence or one that is forced upon them in a classroom or work setting. Even as a writer, I sometimes find writing a challenging, heart-wrenching act but in the end, it is what I do again and again. For some, writing is like riding a bike. You work really hard to balance and build momentum – sometimes you take your hands off the handle bars and crash and burn; sometimes you breeze through the streets, storing up the adventure in that little wicker basket on the front end. Whether you crash and burn or master an impressive wheelie, most typically choose to keep on riding, take risks, hop on the two wheels, and continue with the journey. It’s always a wild ride – a different journey each time – a journey, though, that few eagerly attempt or welcome without dread. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Scavenger Hunts: Digging for Dirt
Years ago, I put together a scavenger hunt for my friend’s bachelorette party. I couldn’t tell you if she had more fun hunting down the goodies or if I had more fun creating the list of outrageous items she needed to collect throughout the night. I can tell you that it was one of the most exciting adventures we have been on throughout our friendship. I’ll never forget the look on her face every time she found (or begged) for an item on the list from a complete stranger. Scavenger hunts are often reserved for special occasions and themed parties, but in my opinion, scavenger hunts serve a purpose in the newsroom, too. Plain and simple: reporters are on the hunt for stories everyday – little do they know that the clues are practically falling in their laps. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Those Pesky Deadlines
As a reporter, I’m no stranger to working on deadline. A story comes in, I do my research, conduct the interviews, and then write the story – all usually within a day’s time. However, deadlines do not just apply to my freelance work. Deadlines apply to every single aspect of my life. I’m on deadline as a teacher – preparing lesson plans in time for class to start. I’m on deadline as a mom – rushing to get to soccer practices and dance lessons by the time each one starts. I’m on deadline as a home owner – keeping the house clean, the family fed, and the dog away from our valuables. Deadlines are draining and sometimes a royal pain. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Teaching the Teacher
One of the most exciting aspects of teaching is the fact that I don’t always have to teach. I’m not referring to the summer breaks but rather those teaching moments where the students teach the teacher. I specifically chose a career in higher education because I want to be a lifelong learner. I want to learn just as much from my students as they learn from me. It’s a partnership – a coaching relationship – and it’s the best job I’ve ever had. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
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 the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
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 the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 