By a Student For the Students
Written By Asia Howe
“As long as I have my health, I want to be reporting somewhere.” — Dan Rather
We have all heard that college is the time to try new things. What we do not hear as often is that college provides opportunities for individuals to test-drive aspirations they have their heart set on. While English major and junior Daisy Willis has undoubtedly tried new things since entering the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH), she has decided to share her experience test-driving a career goal. Below, she discusses being a student reporter for the Office of Applied Learning Experiences (ALEX).
“I decided to become a student reporter as a way to gain some experience in the field I plan to go into after graduation,” the junior asserts. “I would like to be a traveling reporter and this internship with ALEX has allowed [me to] experience what it really can be like to write for a magazine. The experience has been educational.” Even though she states that the internship requires one hundred and ten percent from a student reporter, she admits the intellectual gain is worth the commitment.
UHH English major, junior, and student reporter, Daisy Willis. Photo courtesy of Daisy Willis.
ALEX student reporters produce one to two articles per week. Their articles must have an applied learning element; their finished product must be at most two pages, double spaced. All completed articles are published here, on ALEX Online. Student reporters receive support from an editor and the ALEX Director, Dr. Thomas DeWitt. The position is an internship, as already mentioned, and thus, student reporters do not attend a class, but must be self-directed professionals. Through this position, an individual acquires both real-world experience and three credits toward any area, such as General Education Credits, that they choose.
“All of the work I have done in previous English classes has aided me greatly in the writing of my articles,” Willis affirms. “Knowing how to write a coherent piece has proved invaluable in this internship, and I thank my college classes for that. Working with students on campus from [a variety of] disciplines is an experience that I would not have had without this internship. The English Department is very exclusive [so] writing for ALEX has given me a chance to reach out to students from all disciplines.”
“I enjoy seeing my articles published the most,” the junior continues. “Being able to tell students that were featured that their picture and a flattering article about them [that] is posted on the internet is very rewarding to me. Everyone should be recognized for their work. I love being responsible for [students’] pride in their work.” She later adds, “The self-directed element of this internship is [also] my favorite part. I love being able to make my own schedule and direct myself through my studies.”
When asked if there should be more applied learning opportunities at UHH, Willis replies, “Yes! I have to search through the darkest parts of campus to find all the opportunities available, and I think they should be more plentiful.” As such, she encourages students to take advantage of the applied learning opportunity which ALEX provides and become a student reporter. “I say, go for it! It is a wonderful experience and I think everyone can benefit from this internship.”
The ALEX student reporter internship is not major-specific—any student from any major may participate. The internship lasts for one semester. For more information, contact Dr. DeWitt at tsdewitt@hawaii.edu or (808)-987-6551.
