Aspiring writers meet with Capital journalists to learn field
Two journalists from the Capital Gazette newspaper spoke with Old Mill Middle School North’s Patriot Press last month, educating student club members on careers in journalism by sharing their everyday experiences in the field.
During homeroom on Jan. 31, Brooks DuBose, the newspaper’s editor, and Jeffrey F. Bill, the director of photography for The Capital and other community papers in Baltimore Sun Media Group, visited the Old Mill Middle North newspaper club to teach club members about their journalism careers.
The club learned that DuBose’s interest in journalism started when he began blogging at age 26, graduating with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. Keeping people informed is important to DuBose. DuBose told students, “The benefit is that we write about what’s going on in the community.”
With many club members interested in photography, Bill was asked what was needed to break into the photography field. Bill recommended starting simple for students beginning photography, using a cell phone or other device before buying a camera, and taking pictures everywhere you go. He suggested students, “show what you see from your perspective.”
Bill’s interest in photography began in 8th grade and continued with his education in photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. When asked what he loves most about his career, Bill shared, “I love to help tell a story through photographs.”
The two explained that creating the paper is a lengthy but rewarding process. Communication is important, and so is having a passion for the job. This valuable opportunity allowed student club members to think about their futures and careers in journalism.
Old Mill Middle School North students Ruben Limon, Joelle Downey, Anna Woodmancy, Naomi Ita and Molly Helmick contributed to this story.