ASNE High School Journalism Institute Blog

If only softball weren’t so important to my daughter, I would encourage her to come to Washington and Lee University. I am so amazed by the demeanor of the staff, the numerous options available, and the outstanding financial aid packages the school has to offer. For many students, some of my journalism scholars, W&L will be a new name that I will encourage them to become familiar with.
This two week roller coaster has given me a chance to view journalism from the students’ perspective and push myself to step outside some of my usual boundaries For most of that I can thank Jim McGonnell, more affectionately known as Big Poppy. Seeing someone who has such a passion for what he does after all these years lets me know it is possible to love a career as long as you don’t treat like just another job.
When tomorrow sessions have ended and we each head back to our separate destination, I hope Jim was right about at least one thing: I hope I am really a giver. A giver of knowledge for those who lack the skills, a giver of compassion for those who have a life harder than many adults, a giver of hope to those who think college is not an option, and a giver of love for those who look at me as a mom.
I wish you all the best next year and know that if you need help, Jim’s just an e-mail away.

Denise