As we prepare for next year’s fellowship for college journalists, we’ve asked former fellows from The Poynter Institute’s college program to comment on their experiences at the institute. First up is Diana Sugg, 2003 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for her work as a former health reporter at The Sun in Baltimore. Sugg was a Poynter Fellow in the summer of 1987. She has also served on the institute’s National Advisory Board.
Here are Diana’s comments, sent via e-mail:
I can’t imagine a better way to start a journalism career than going to Poynter for the summer fellowship. That time opened my eyes to the big world of journalism.
I was one of a lucky dozen who got a chance to learn in intimate seminars with veterans reporters and editors. It was like getting a rare glimpse of the whole, an advance look into things that would have taken me years to see on my own.
Poynter’s summer fellowship is the best way for any liberal arts graduate to launch his or her career. Because of that time, I was able to find my way to great editors, to learn and develop as a young journalist and to do meaningful work. The philosophy and values I learned there have guided me my whole career.
Looking back, I have to say that Poynter’s summer fellowship was the single biggest factor in helping me find my voice and flourish. Now more than ever, the fellowship is invaluable.
