A story to tell

Communicating Arts senior lecturer Joel Anderson believes everyone has a story to tell. Anderson works primarily with journalism students, helping to craft stories that appeal to the public. The goal of the Academic Service-Learning (AS-L) in "Selected News Writing" is to uncover the stories elderly people had to share and create an article for possible print in the Superior Telegram's senior section. Anderson worked with students throughout the semester to 'find' the story. Students reported back each week and shared their conversations.

Getting over the fear

Many students were surprised to find out they were going to visit the homes of people while working with Senior Connections. "It was definitely awkward at first," said senior Bradley Kostiuk. "But most of them let me in with a smile," he added. Students who chose to work with Senior Connections took on a list of six or seven names. They had the task of setting up the appointment with each person in order to complete a nutrition assessment. Students were told to use their skills as reporters to strike up conversation and create a comfortable relationship between student and senior citizen.

You never know what you could learn
Student Brittany Berrens was unsure of what to write about a woman she spent time with at St. Francis Nursing Home. "She's had a lot of life experiences," said Berrens. "I don't want to write a biography. I just have to find what angle to take." Berrens began her AS-L in October and spent two hours each week chatting with the woman. "I talk the whole time with her. I've been able to find out so much." Berrens was surprised by the amount of information the woman shared. "We had some good laughs. I'm going to miss her."

Putting skills to use
Berrens has had a wealth of experience in the journalism field but nothing like this. "I usually know what my angle is going in. I never have to think much about it," said the journalism major. Yet, she was very thankful for her previous knowledge. "I know what questions to ask to learn more about her."

Dual benefits
Senior Connections Director Rhoda Nagurski is thankful for the AS-L program. "I think this program benefits both the agency and the student. A lot of homebound individuals don't get to talk to many people during the day. These students might be the only people that these individuals get to see on any given day." Nagurski says employees delivering meals don't have much time to talk to the people receiving them and she believes that the students all made meaningful connections with at least one person.

Reflection
This is the first year that Anderson has used AS-L but he says it won't be his last. "This is a real opportunity for students to get off the campus and practice what they're learning while assisting the community. I can't think of a better educational opportunity than that." Anderson hopes to incorporate AS-L in a lower-level basic reporting course.

"Selected News Writing" is part of the Academic Service-Learning program at UW-Superior. Academic Service-Learning enables students to apply concepts and skills they learn in the classroom and give that knowledge back to the community.