Pre-Typhoon Kristine Journalism Workshops

 

     I had the privilege of teaching nine campus journalism workshops within two weeks prior to typhoon Kristine.

     The topics were dizzying but fun to teach -- editorial writing, column writing, newswriting, copyreading, feature writing, science and technology writing, editorial cartooning, and photojournalism to high school students and photojournalism to elementary pupils.

     I hope the students joining the upcoming cluster press conference would remember, but not get distracted by, the tips to a winning entry.

     It has always saddened me to see contestants and coaches getting blinded by recognition, prizes, and awards because as practiced, these events are more aptly called press contests rather than press conferences.

     Winning contests without wanting to truly apply the principles and objectives of journalism would be one of the saddest self-defeating rituals of our educational system.

     I wish all participating students would enjoy the experience and learn everything they can -- win or lose.  And hopefully they grasp the indispensable role of informed free speech and free press in building a just and humane society.