Devotion to the liberal arts makes VWC interns strong
By Tom Robotham
Virginia Wesleyan interns...
have been immersed in the
liberal arts, which means, first
and foremost, that they've
learned how to think
for themselves.
One day several months ago, while I was driving down the Interstate, I noticed a Virginia Wesleyan billboard. I don't remember precisely what it said, but the gist of it was that this is a college that remains devoted to the liberal arts.
How refreshing, I thought. At a time when many colleges are short-changing their liberal arts departments in favor of more marketable programs, here was an institution that was proud of its liberal arts tradition.
Then it dawned on me: This is why the Virginia Wesleyan interns who've worked at Port Folio Weekly for a summer or a semester have all been so strong. They've been immersed in the liberal arts, which means, first and foremost, that they've learned how to think for themselves. Invariably, they've also been inquisitive, highly articulate and knowledgeable about a broad range of subjects.
Virtually all executives, in every field, will tell you that these are the qualities they want in interns or entry level employees. Job-specific classes are fine as far as they go. But a liberal arts education prepares individuals for lifelong learning.
Students with a broad liberal arts background make especially good journalism interns. We journalists, after all, are essentially professional students. With each new story we tackle, we must learn about new fields of endeavor. In the process, we must also think critically about the information we're given. If we don't, we run the risk of becoming extensions of public relations departments.
This goes double for journalists at papers like Port Folio, which is what's known in the industry as an "alternative weekly." It is our job not only to sift through mountains of public relations propaganda in search of the truth, but to challenge the status quo in ways that the establishment media cannot or will not.
Virginia Wesleyan interns who have worked at Port Folio seem to thrive in this environment because it is a natural extension of their higher-education experience. We value open-mindedness, creativity and, most importantly, idealism. We give them a sense that journalists can make a difference in the world, and we arm them with skills that will help them succeed in the field should they decide to pursue it after graduation.
Our interns acquire these skills by tackling a wide variety of assignments, from proofreading and minor editing of stories written by seasoned pros, to writing feature stories of their own.
They also learn perseverance. I remember one intern, in particular, who tried for several days to contact the mayor of Virginia Beach. Messages passed to her through her assistant were not returned. Finally I suggested checking the phone book to see if the mayor's home number was listed. It was, and sure enough he got his interview. It was a simple yet valuable lesson I think he'll carry with him for life.
The benefits cut both ways, of course. We have a deep appreciation and respect for our interns from Virginia Wesleyan and elsewhere, not only because of the work that they do but because of the fresh perspectives they bring to the paper. There's nothing like having a 20-year-old on staff to shake things up. Again, this is especially important at an alternative weekly, which places a strong emphasis on politics, social issues and cutting-edge arts.
In short, as I look back on my experiences with Virginia Wesleyan interns, I couldn't ask for anything more. They've helped me grow as an editor and mentor--and I like to think I've helped them grow as well.
Tom Robotham, a graduate of the State University of New York, is now entering his fifth year as editor of Port Folio Weekly. He is the author of five non-fiction books. He lives in Norfolk with his wife, Virginia Thumm, and children, Sarah and Sam.