Why did you declare J&PR?
Posted on December 1, 2017 at 12:00 PM
Chico State students give insight to why they declared their Chico State major in the Department of Journalism & Public Relations. From freshmen to seniors, they all agree that this is the write major.
Mariela Marquez, Public Relations
Mariela Marquez was inspired to choose J&PR because of her interest in women's activism and she particularly enjoyed JOUR 211, “Women, Men, and the Media.” It helped broaden her knowledge of social change and taught her how to address people with how they identify themselves.
She finds the program’s mandatory advising week an incredibly helpful resource when it comes to selecting classes and staying on track to graduate.
“Students in this program get really good guidance and have a lot to benefit from the major after graduation,” she said.
Arianna Silvestri, News
Arianna Silvestri knew she wanted to declare journalism since high school, and was influenced to choose Chico State’s J&PR program by an alumnus.
She was hooked after her very first journalism class. She learned how to conduct successful interviews in JOUR 260, “Writing for Mass Media,” and found that covering a story from all angles and points of view was a great learning tool.
“Anytime anyone’s not sure about their major, I tell them to look into J&PR,” she said. “It’s the best thing since sliced bread.”
Brian Luong, News
Brian Luong was inspired by his father’s stories about life in Vietnam.
“It sparked my desire to hear other people’s life’s stories,” Luong said.
He researched the program as a new student, and started regularly reading The Orion, Chico State’s independent student news source.
Interviewing was his favorite part of JOUR 260, “Writing for Mass Media.” It gave him the opportunity to meet and interview a lot of people, including Jamie Wilhite, one of the CEOs of Upper Park Clothing.
“The professors in J&PR are very understanding and willing to work with you individually if you put in the effort,” Luong said.
Guillermo Felix-Alvor, News and Public Relations
As a double-option and transfer student, Guillermo Felix-Alvor chose J&PR because of the role journalists play as gatekeepers to keep the public informed with the truth, especially in a noisy era of social media.
“I’ve had a really positive experience with the program,” Felix-Alvor said. “The professors I’ve encountered have been helpful and they’re really there for students.”
He said he appreciates the opportunities for internships at The Orion and Tehama Group Communications. These internships connect students with alumni who love working with the department's perspective graduates.
Chase Victor, Public Relations
Chase Victor was inspired to make the switch to J&PR after learning about the program through friends and Department Chair Susan Wiesinger.
“Since the major also requires a minor, all of my previous nutrition classes continued to benefit me toward graduating,” he said.
Victor believes that when it comes to journalism, there’s always something relatable within a project.
Victor interviewed Chico State’s scuba diving instructor Richard Astley for his human interest story in JOUR 260, “Writing for Mass Media.”
That gave him the opportunity to learn more about something he was passionate about and put it into his writing.
Makayla Hopkins-Davis, News
After trying out a few majors, Makayla Hopkins-Davis discovered her passion was writing food blogs.
She joined J&PR upon transferring to Chico. Compared to other programs she’s been involved in, J&PR stands out to her because of the diversity in writing practices students receive throughout classes.
The topics range to meet each student’s outside interests.
This also includes incorporating photo and video as a valuable skillset.
“Being able to include visuals in your work sets you apart as a professional,” Hopkins-Davis said.
Anna Baytosh, Public Relations
Anna Baytosh declared J&PR after getting to know the program and learning about what it had to offer.
“I love the program and the people in it,” Anna Baytosh said, “I feel that I am pushed to a high standard every time I’m in a classroom.”
Baytosh’s favorite class so far has been JOUR 351, “PR Publications,” which she said is a great combination of creativity and writing all in one class.
It gives J&PR students a chance to step out of their comfort zone and learn the basics of using Adobe Creative Cloud.
“This is the program where you can take all of your talents and combine them into one solid career path,” Baytosh said.
Gage Northcutt, Public Relations
Professor Bernard Richter’s JOUR 130i, “Writing for Public Audiences,” class inspired Gage Northcutt during his second year at Chico State.
“I got excited about reading and writing for the first time,” he said.
Northcutt found that switching from the communications program to the journalism program after a few semesters at Chico State was an easy transition because the major is diverse.He said it helps students enjoy their writing and storytelling as well as challenge themselves.
There is always room to grow in writing and creative thinking._____
By Roxanna Necoechea