Story_Academy Visits SOC
Students from Loyola Academy in Wilmette experienced what it was like to be television reporters and newscasters during a recent field trip to Loyola University Chicago’s School of Communication.
Nearly 30 Loyola Academy students used professional video cameras and microphones to interview passersby near Chicago’s historic Water Tower, just steps from the School of Communication’s downtown campus.
The students also gained hands-on broadcasting experience by delivering news reports from the School of Communication's television studio anchor desk, where their performances were recorded.
Students from Loyola Academy covered breaking news when demonstrators appeared outside the historic Water Tower.
Their assignment focused on St. Patrick’s Day, a storied holiday in Chicago. The student street reporters interviewed pedestrians about their St. Patrick’s Day plans, including whether they planned to witness the dyeing of the Chicago River, watch the parade, eat corned beef and cabbage, or consume their favorite green beverage.
The students also displayed their journalistic ability to pivot when a group of demonstrators arrived at the Water Tower to advocate for Tibet’s independence from China. The students quickly began interviewing the demonstrators and cover the breaking news story.
“This was a great experience for our students.” said Katie Klein, a journalism instructor at Loyola Academy. “They were able to gain confidence in their interview skills, learn how to operate a camera, and see what truly goes into making a newscast. The best praise I can give is that the kids didn't want to leave for the day.”
The students said they enjoyed the lighter side of interviewing people about their St. Patrick’s Day. But they also liked tackling hard news when the demonstrators arrived at the Water Tower.
This was a great experience for our students. They were able to gain confidence in their interview skills, learn how to operate a camera, and see what truly goes into making a newscast. The best praise I can give is that the kids didn't want to leave for the day. Katie Klein, Journalism Instructor at Loyola Academy
When Rachel Caldwell moved into de Nobili Hall as a first-year student, she immediately felt at home as part of the multicultural living-learning community.
“The best part of the day was interviewing people because I went out of my comfort zone. I learned that being confident makes other people more confident,” said Loyola Academy student Collin Drake. “Something that was unexpected was how fun the activity was. I was very excited about it, but I actually did learn a lot.”
Other students enjoyed the experience of being in the news studio.
“The best part of the day was being a news anchor. It is actually my dream job, so it was very good to get to experience that,” said Loyola Academy student Anna Kimball.
The students also delivered news reports from the School of Communication's television studio anchor desk.
SOC Dean Ginny McDermott said she was excited the Loyola Academy students enjoyed the field trip.
“We were thrilled to host Loyola Academy, a highly-respected school, and a fellow Jesuit institution,” McDermott said. “It was impressive watching the students display their abilities as on-air talent and on the spot interviewers.”
Story by John Slania • Photos by JZ Chen and Jayme Parker
Loyola Academy Students Visit School of Communication
Their assignment focused on St. Patrick’s Day, a storied holiday in Chicago. The student street reporters interviewed pedestrians about their St. Patrick’s Day plans, including whether they planned to witness the dyeing of the Chicago River, watch the parade, eat corned beef and cabbage, or consume their favorite green beverage.
The students also displayed their journalistic ability to pivot when a group of demonstrators arrived at the Water Tower to advocate for Tibet’s independence from China. The students quickly began interviewing the demonstrators and cover the breaking news story.
“This was a great experience for our students.” said Katie Klein, a journalism instructor at Loyola Academy. “They were able to gain confidence in their interview skills, learn how to operate a camera, and see what truly goes into making a newscast. The best praise I can give is that the kids didn't want to leave for the day.”
The students said they enjoyed the lighter side of interviewing people about their St. Patrick’s Day. But they also liked tackling hard news when the demonstrators arrived at the Water Tower.
When Rachel Caldwell moved into de Nobili Hall as a first-year student, she immediately felt at home as part of the multicultural living-learning community.
“The best part of the day was interviewing people because I went out of my comfort zone. I learned that being confident makes other people more confident,” said Loyola Academy student Collin Drake. “Something that was unexpected was how fun the activity was. I was very excited about it, but I actually did learn a lot.”
Other students enjoyed the experience of being in the news studio.
“The best part of the day was being a news anchor. It is actually my dream job, so it was very good to get to experience that,” said Loyola Academy student Anna Kimball.
SOC Dean Ginny McDermott said she was excited the Loyola Academy students enjoyed the field trip.
“We were thrilled to host Loyola Academy, a highly-respected school, and a fellow Jesuit institution,” McDermott said. “It was impressive watching the students display their abilities as on-air talent and on the spot interviewers.”