During this year’s commencement of the University of Georgia’s annual Summer Academy, journalism instructor Heaven Jobe is trekking on her own journey to understand the art of reporting.
“I’m still wanting to get better and learn, but at the same time teach you about my own experiences.” Jobe said.
On June 13 at the Grady College of Mass Communication located in Athens, Georgia, the University of Georgia kicked off its week-long annual Summer Academy for students ages 13-17 learning about careers in communication. Jobe, who is a first-year graduate student pursuing a degree in journalism, health and medical communication, will serve as a graduate assistant to Dr. Joe Dennis. This week, they will be instructing 20 students on the craft of journalism.
“I initially went to school to be a secondary [education] teacher, I guess my decision just changed after my first year of college.”
Jobe obtained her bachelors degree in literature, language and writing from the Eastern Michigan University before choosing to attend UGA under an assistantship. Prior to accepting the offer from UGA, Jobe had almost no experience with journalism, but credits her choice to move to Georgia and pursue another degree to her love of learning.
“I wanted to go to school for mass communication, because I did my minor in communication. And then, once I turned in my application to come to UGA, admissions reached out to me with this opportunity.” Jobe said. “So, to answer your question, why did I make that switch– because a door opened, and why not walk through it.”
Since beginning her studies in journalism, Jobe admits there has been some difficulty in transitioning to AP Style and a journalistic style of writing from her experience writing poetry. But as she continues to ask questions and learn from Dr. Dennis, Jobe hopes her experience this week and throughout her assistantship will teach both herself and her students about the intricacies of the fourth estate.
Jobe encouraged young students pursuing a career in journalism to embrace criticism.
“My advice to you is… don’t be afraid to get told that you’re doing something wrong. Because as soon as I feel like I’m doing something wrong, I’m like… I can’t do it. But I can do it, and that’s why I’m here. So just keep going, and take that constructive criticism.”
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