Success

A previous student shared these tips for success:

1) Do not procrastinate when it comes to finding sources and conducting research for your paper. Procrastination will only mean more stress for you.
2) Engage in conversation with your classmates about the topic at hand. I learned so much about different perspectives that way.
3) If you bring a last-minute snack, White Cheddar Cheez-Its or Paradise chocolate chip cookies are the way to go.
4) Do not be afraid to do a crazy science topic you have never heard of or do not understand. That’s the fun part about science journalism. You have an opportunity to learn about and research something you never would have otherwise.
5) Have fun. This class was by far my favorite. Enjoy it while it lasts because the time goes by too quickly.

Here are a few more tips from another student:

1) Interview your sources ASAP to make sure you have them.
2) Let the story form organically from your sources. I feel that I wanted a certain angle, and when my sources pointed me in a new, better direction, it was hard for me to adjust.
3) Have no expectations, just ideas. This will allow the story to have its own soul. What we already know about a situation may not be its most pertinent aspect.

Another student offered this advice:

Principles of Science Journalism is by far the best journalism class I have taken at the University of Arizona. Every week I was given the opportunity to participate in lively discussions with journalists and scientists, both amateur and professional. Part of what made this course so memorable was the challenge it presented. I am just completing my first semester as a journalism student, so I have quite a bit to learn, and learn I did!

The first piece of advice I have to offer is to participate as much as possible. Initially, I was so intimidated by my classmates that I kept my comments to myself. I wish I had not let my fear of sounding stupid paralyze me from vocalizing my thoughts. Later in the semester I was less shy, and I definitely reaped the benefits. I was treated with respect by everyone in the class and learned that my classmates actually valued my opinion.

The second piece of advice I have to offer is to start thinking about your final project on day one. Well, maybe day two or three is fine. I was very passionate about my paper topic, but I struggled to narrow my subject, which led to my inadvertently putting pressure on myself. I put more effort and research into my story than any other piece of journalism I have ever written. I am still concerned that my piece is too broad, but I am proud of myself, and I have learned from my mistakes. Back to the point, the more time you have to choose a topic, the more concise your piece will be.

The third and final piece of advice I have to offer is listen to Carol. I learned more than I ever anticipated by paying attention to every edit and critique she had in regard to my writing. I have grown by evaluating my weaknesses as a writer and making them my strengths. I still have a long way to go, but listening to the pros is a definite bonus.

One more thing…have fun! The beauty of this course is that I did not even realize I was in school half the time. I now know there is a clear difference between academic writing and journalistic writing (I prefer the latter). Let these few hours of class be your time to forget about grades and open your mind. Plus, there was always food, so it’s hard not to enjoy yourself.