Feature Stories, Magazine Writing, Sample Work

What to Expect in Freshman Year of College: Student’s Guide

Published August 2010: ParentUSAcity.com What To Expect in Freshman Year of College: Student's Guide Article Overview: College is a whole new world for both parents and students. Here are insights to help you and your freshman better understand what your child will experience in freshman year, from a college grad who with her mom has written a “both sides” look at the college years. [More...] Article Excerpt: The most anticipated time has arrived—the first year of college. Amidst the excitement of moving out, grasping freedom, anticipating change, and forging new friendships, the average college freshman often underestimates the challenges associated with adjusting to an entirely new lifestyle. Although college offers opportunities and an adventurous academic and social journey like no other, breaking through the barriers of the unknown and dealing with the uncertainty of what to expect that first year are often sources of significant stress. Finding a balance between freedom and responsibility is crucial. Read the Full Story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Parenting, Reflecting, Writing

If the Shoe Fits

My work as a freelance writer gives me the opportunity to meet interesting and insightful people. Whether I am having a conversation with the average “Joe,” interviewing an event organizer, or talking with experts in various fields, the people become more than just sources – they become very human during an interview. Even though as a journalist my job is to stay objective, there is something personal about each interview I conduct. The information this person is sharing usually contains personal experiences, feelings, beliefs, and advice. Almost always after an interview, I reflect and compare my personal experiences and try and put myself in the subject’s shoes. Today, the shoes fit, but at the same time, the shoes made me uncomfortable – comparable to the perfect looking shoe in a narrow fit when I need wide-toed shoes. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Journalism, Teaching, Writing

What I Love Most About Teaching

Never in a million years did I ever think I would find myself in the teaching field. In third grade, I swore I was going to be a court reporter. In eighth grade, I was going to be the next Joan Jett. In high school, I wanted to pursue a career in music. At the onset of college, it was accounting, then music marketing, then public relations, then business, and ultimately, journalism. I had big dreams to get OUT of school, not to stay in it. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Journalism, Teaching

Five Things Every Student Journalist Should Do … Now

Student journalists are busy people. Beyond tending to class work, outside jobs, and attempting to have somewhat of a social life, they spend their days brainstorming story ideas, writing stories, gathering video and photos, laying out pages, and managing ethical dilemmas. They work tirelessly to produce fair, accurate, and balanced coverage of campus communities while also trying to inform and entertain readers. As a college media adviser, my job is to provide the resources and training needed, guide and counsel students, and even serve as a sounding board when the pressure is leading to burnout. Read more at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Journalism, Teaching

Social Media Overload

I’ve spent the past few days immersed, overwhelmed, delighted, and frustrated with social media. As participants in the Associated Collegiate Press Summer Journalism Workshops in Minneapolis, Minn. four of my students and I have been bombarded with high-tech options for reinventing and improving the standards for student newspaper publishing.

Magazine Writing

Just Say NO to Excessive Weight Gain

College is more than just classes and grades. As if stressing about new courses, friends, and money isn't enough, you're also worried about your weight. The frenzied routine of college life, academic pressures, and hectic schedules cause many students to develop poor eating habits, like routinely hitting the fast food drive-through at 2 a.m. Hence the infamous Freshman 15 .