Monday, May 2, 2011

University of Northern Colorado's Journalism Program

I have learned a lot at UNC. This class specifically has set me up for success. Learning to complete assignments on deadlines and how to write for beats had significantly helped my confidence as a writer.
I could not be happier with the JMC 410 class. The feedback I was given for my articles was always honest. I was happy to receive non-sugar-coated reviews. Being able to pick my topics and creating my ideas into articles only inspired me more.
Creating topic idea plans made me think of all the different aspects needed in order to write a newsworthy article. Those questions I needed to answer will continue to go with me to my career only now it is not for a grade but for my readers.
I would encourage many up coming students to think about journalism for a major. I started off with an English major and switched after my first year. I never had the opportunity in high school to consider journalism.
The professors in the journalism department not only care about the students learning but also care about producing journalist who will create news worthy and honest articles. They are building the future writers for newspapers.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Good News for Police Dogs

A recent bill has passed that says an individual who hurts a police dog or kills a police dog is financially responsible for vet bills or any other damages.
This recent change is incredibly special for me and my family because we had a police dog for 14 years.
Izzy was an incredibly smart dog that served Longmont Police Department for 10 years. During his last search he went after a suspect who was able to pick him up and throw him on his back. The incident did not stop Izzy he was able to get back up and apprehend the susspect.
These K-9 dogs allow police officers to maintain a certain level saftey while on searches.
Izzy did suffer an injury while on this search and it affected his quality of life. His spinal cord was pinched and lis back legs struggled to keep up with his front legs.
Thanks to the community who generouslly donated money to The Izzy Fund allowed us to give Izzy the surgery he needed. The money not only covered the surgery but also the rehab.
September 22nd, 2010 Izzy had to be put down.
Although this bill was passed to late for Izzy, the bill is a great step forward in ensuring that these animals remain a great tool for police departments.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

First Step Blogging

I am a beginner blogger. I never thought I would ever need a blog. I guess I was looking at it all wrong though. Being a UNC journalism student I am confident that I can create a blog worth reading. The only thing that scares me is that it is my work out in the open only edited by me. I guess this will not only be a learning experience but an opportunity to test myself and my ability to write.

This blog is about crime in Greeley, Colorado in order to do that I will be following the Greeley Police Department. There are things that affect our community negatively and positively. Exposing both sides only gives us community members a better understanding of those who deal with crime.