After nearly 40 years in journalism,  25 of them in the classroom, I still wonder what students think as I guide them to be great story tellers. Most share my passion for story telling.  And it’s that passion that will become their greatest guide.

I’ve watched students light up at presidential events as if they were at a rock concert. Eyes wide as they connect to a national story alongside seasoned professionals.  I’ve seen that same excitement hundreds of times, when students connect with life and tell  important community stories.

What do students think when they hear me explain how to find an angle, how to get access and build a story with facts and finesse, and to connect with their audience? I’m not sure. They might consider me quirky because I’ll do a little dance if I think it will help to make a point.

I’d like students to think of me as someone who really cares about story telling, that it should come somewhere near the top of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs between self-actualization and love.  I would like them to think of me as a mentor who is there to help them to realize their passion.