Feature Story - Teach for America

For my feature story, I want to write about Teach for America. As soon as I heard about it in class, I thought it was such a great program. In fact, it’s something that I’d even be interested in doing.

According to the website, Teach for America’s main goal is to eliminate the lack of education by hiring top college graduates. They don’t just take everyone; it is a very selective program and those who are interested must be highly qualified to get a position.  

There are currently about 5,000 “corps members” who work in 26 urban and rural areas. Each of these 5,000 people went through the application process and come from diverse backgrounds.

I can’t wait to meet a teacher for this program. It sounds so wonderful and by the sound of it, these people are great! J

Proofreading

Honestly, I really enjoy proofreading. I think it’s SO important and such a crucial part of writing. Just one word can change the entire meaning and interpretation of a statement. For example, I’ve learned that when stating my opinion, I shouldn’t use too many words and be firm in what I say. Newswriting is similar in that meaning gets lost in wordiness.

Grammar mistakes are also a problem. I can’t take anything seriously that has a grammar error like “your” or “you’re” being mixed up.

The best way for me to proofread is write something and read it the next day. At that point, I’ve forgotten most of what I’ve written and can read my work objectively. I also like to read things out loud. I’ve made so many mistakes by just scanning my papers because I only spot really obvious problems.

Helmet Laws

Doctors strongly oppose the Maryland State Legislature consideration to change motorcyclist helmet laws.

 

Many physicians in Towson are opposed to the bill. About fifty of them held a press conference Monday morning on the front lawn of Memorial Hospital. An audience of over one hundred nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare workers was present. The doctors unveiled a petition to legislators asking them not to pass the bill. Doctors from Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Greater Baltimore Medical Center were present at the press conference.

 

The doctors have gotten nearly four hundred signatures so far on the petition and hope to have at least five hundred by the time they send it to the legislature.

 

The number of serious head injuries caused by motorcycle accidents in Maryland is over 70% less now then when the helmet law was adopted 25 years ago, said Dr. Karl Sodergreen. He said that reduction is directly related to passage of the law.

 

Dr. Hector Rivera said a study from last year about health-care costs related to motorcycle riding by the state medical society showed that emergency room costs alone could go up by more than 45 percent if the helmet law is repealed.

 

Dr. Sodergreen said the physicians plan to send their petition to the legislature on Monday. The bill is to be considered by the legislature next Wednesday.

 

Ironically, there was a motorcyclist accident during the press conference. The driver of the vehicle was not wearing his helmet, and the aftermath was available for all to see. This executed the perfect example of why so many medical professionals are against this bill change. 

Helmet Laws

Doctors strongly oppose the Maryland State Legislature consideration to change motorcyclist helmet laws.

 

Many physicians in Towson are opposed to the bill. About fifty of them held a press conference Monday morning on the front lawn of Memorial Hospital. An audience of over one hundred nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare workers was present. The doctors unveiled a petition to legislators asking them not to pass the bill. Doctors from Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Greater Baltimore Medical Center were present at the press conference.

 

The doctors have gotten nearly four hundred signatures so far on the petition and hope to have at least five hundred by the time they send it to the legislature.

 

The number of serious head injuries caused by motorcycle accidents in Maryland is over 70% less now then when the helmet law was adopted 25 years ago, said Dr. Karl Sodergreen. He said that reduction is directly related to passage of the law.

 

Dr. Hector Rivera said a study from last year about health-care costs related to motorcycle riding by the state medical society showed that emergency room costs alone could go up by more than 45 percent if the helmet law is repealed.

 

Dr. Sodergreen said the physicians plan to send their petition to the legislature on Monday. The bill is to be considered by the legislature next Wednesday.

 

Ironically, there was a motorcyclist accident during the press conference. The driver of the vehicle was not wearing his helmet, and the aftermath was available for all to see. This executed the perfect example of why so many medical professionals are against this bill change. 

Revised Lede

Towson students say they are more willing to use credit cards on food and alcohol after they have been drinking.

Two Ledes I Liked

I really like Annie’s lede a lot. It directly relates to me, which is a big flashing light for me. I’m also really interested in what she finds out about how onecards relate to college credit card debt. I can’t wait to read her story!

I also really liked Danielle’s lede. I think the fact that she created Debt 101 was catchy and kind of funny. She made the lede really tie both topics together.

Source Ideas

I definitely have some ideas about who I’d like to talk to for my interview. I have a little bit of an advantage because of my job. My boss is actually the owner of Pizans, so I can go straight to the top and not get second hand information from a manager. We also see so many different customers, and I would like to ask a college student and an adult their opinions on my thought and direction of my newsstory.

I also want to talk to a bank representative. I think I’m going to go to a bank near my house because I’m sure a lot of people are going to talk to the people at Chevy Chase in the Union, and I’d like an opinion of someone that doesn’t work directly with students.