On my first experience as a journalist

When I came to grad school, I entered as a decidedly PR-track student. I thought it would be the perfect way to meld my business interests with my creative writing Bachelors degree. I wanted to specialize in health communication, because I had some insight into the world of health insurance through my previous career.

I came into Health Medical Journalism on the recommendation of a PR professor who I like and admire. I knew nothing about journalism. I didn't know the ins and outs of ethics, such as conflicts of interest, or where to find a story, or how to write an article. Just before the first article assignment was due, I told our professor that this would be my first news story ever. I don't know what I expected her to say, but I wasn't expecting her to brush it off. "It's just like a press release," she said. "You'll be fine." And I was fine.

I had been assigned to Wilkes County, about an hour outside of Athens, GA. I went to Washington, the county seat, with an interview scheduled with the manager of  largest insurance agency in the county. I went to investigate their health insurance sales amidst the Affordable Care Act mandate. I didn't find anything interesting.

So I decided to go into town and see what the real story was. I walked into a cafe on the square and sat down for a cup of coffee. I chatted with a young guy who seemed a bit disconnected from the politics and goings-on of town. Then I started a conversation with the owner of the place, who could tell I wasn't from around there. He talked about the ACA as an enigma. Something the town couldn't quite wrap their minds around. Yet he knew all about the 'Navigator' at the courthouse, just up the square.

Before I reached the courthouse, I stopped into the Tourism office, which shared space with the Chamber of Commerce. The girls in the tourism department were happy to orient me to the town and introduce me to the director of the chamber. He was a lovely guy who was happy to share his unfiltered opinions on town politics, so long as it remained off the record. I was happy to listen.

He encouraged me to speak with his office assistant, Acetra, who had just walked in with her lunch. Lo and behold, she had gotten a policy through the healthcare.gov website, and was also familiar with the local Navigator. She gave me an excellent interview that I saved for an article about the developments of the ACA.

While we were talking, a gentile-looking guy, David Toburen walked in. He seemed to light up the room as everyone in the office greeted him. He sat down with us, and I asked him if he would state his name for the record. I listened to David and Acetra discuss Washington: its charms, its history, its failings.

I found out that David ran a food pantry and thrift store, called God's Marketplace. I asked him if there's anything interesting going on over there. "Here's a story for 'ya," he said. He's opening up a support center for folks who are battling depression, substance abuse, or just plain old poverty. I asked him what kind of mental health resources were available. He said that there were none.

I knew I had my story, and I was ecstatic when he said he'd let me follow him down to the new location of God's Marketplace Support Center.

My visit set me off on a fun investigative journey. I talked with the county health department, the nearest outpatient mental health clinic, and anyone else i could get my hands on.

My first story was born, and published in The News-Reporter of Washington, GA.

I learned valuable lessons in reporting this first story:
1. Be willing to talk to anyone.
2. Learn to ask the right questions.
3. Be willing to sit and wait.
4. Flexibility is key; allow yourself to write a "plan B" story.

I wrote Acetra's story later, and even returned to interview her on camera. I got back in touch with her with David's help.