College Class Has a Q&A with Lonnie Quinn

Lonnie Quinn made a visit to the Pace University campus in Westchester to speak with students in a class called The Art of Anchoring last week. The course is taught by Katherine Fink, who met Quinn when they worked together for a radio station in Charlottesville, VA. He's currently the chief weather-caster for CBS 2.

Quinn discussed his background before he even thought about his career, experiences in the broadcasting field as a reporter, and the day and the life of being a weatherman. Toward the end he answered questions and gave advice. One of his tips was for students who struggle with interviewing other people.

“Don’t go into an interview with preconceived notions of what the story is," Quinn said. "I see reporters do it all the time. They're writing stories before they even meet the person. That's not journalism."

He also touched upon live interviews where he talked about having at least two questions written down as a safety net, just in case the interview doesn't seem to be going anywhere. However, having the opening questions memorized is essential. After all, it is awkward to be looking at your list of questions while the person being interviewed is speaking.

"Have a conversation," Quinn said. “Be prepared, know your facts, and let it roll."

Students who are interested in a career in this field are expected to have a demo reel, which are video clips of them reporting in different locations. He encouraged the students to have something to show when applying for jobs.

"If you want to rock this industry, tell good stories. Find a way to make your story stand out," Quinn said. "Insert yourself into a story for your standup that relates to your story. Make it visual. Make them natural." He said that it's okay to make a mistake. He actually likes demo reels with errors because he said that no one is perfect and he likes seeing how people react on camera to unexpected situations, like dropping something and and being able to make casual remarks about it on the fly.

The newest full time worker has iPhone reports, where she video tapes herself, she does her own reporting, and edits her own clips. 

"The only people we hire are the one man bands...you've got to wear as many hats as you can," Quinn said.

He explained how the media industry is both a shrinking and expanding industry. His example was that CBS is now a 24 hour news station, as their content is available online and on their mobile application.The life of an anchor may look glamorous, but Quinn said that anchors' salaries decreased. However, he did reassure students that there are other avenues than just being on television. Podcasts and online news content has become increasingly popular, and he suggested that students take advantage of these new opportunities.

Quinn acted as a mentor to the students but he didn't have anyone like that in his life. He went from acting to being a waiter. When he thought he was set with his acting career, the NBC soap opera he was hired for ended up getting canceled. While on the show, he started flying planes because he wanted to become a pilot, which is when he decided to get his meteorology degree.

At the Santa Monica airport he met Dave Cupp's wife. Dave Cupp worked as a news director for WVIR-TV, the NBC affiliate in Charlottesville, VA for more than 25 years. Cupp's wife connected Quinn with her husband who offered him a job as an on air weatherman for the weekends with a salary of $12,000 per year. Quinn didn't feel as if he would be able to support himself with such a low salary so he denied Cupp's offer but soon found out that with no prior experience, he had given up a great opportunity. He wound up coming back to Cupp, but the job was no longer available. Cupp still offered to train Quinn to shoot/edit videos and that's where he learned more about working behind the scenes.

Although his career has taken off since then, it was a journey. Quinn revealed that the current assistant news director was a receptionist 30 years ago. She climbed the corporate ladder, which is something he inspired all of the students to do.

At the end, he took pictures with everyone and even agreed to do an interview with a student named Joanna DeRosa, who stayed after class just to get the inside scoop.

The Hunting Ground

The Hunting Ground is a documentary that describes sexual assault cases at various colleges and universities, clearly pointing out an ongoing pattern at each campus. Students shared their personal stories and addressed issues with policies that claimed the college/university took sexual assault seriously. Yet, students who shared their firsthand accounts of experiences as victims of rape discussed how the actions of campus workers contradicted the actual policies in place.

Shocking statistics were presented, like the fact that one in five women in college are sexually assaulted. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics in 2001, "Among college women, nine out of 10 knew their attacker."

Pace University students saw this documentary at an event last week and were asked to share their reactions. Jonathan Alvarez, junior and communications major said, “The documentary shined light on a topic we have all heard about but the facts hit close to home when you realize the sheer amount of cases happening on campuses nationwide. I feel the movie was great for this reason, and hope it leads to raising more awareness on sexual assault.”

One of the controversies mentioned was by a student named Erica Kinsman who said that she was raped by Jameis Winston, who was drafted to be the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Bucaneers NFL team on Thursday night. However, Winston has not been charged in the case. Prior to the NFL draft, Winston was a quarterback for Florida State University. Kinsman said that Winston raped her off campus in 2012.

A Pace University student from Miami, Florida said, "Students who attend Florida State University worship him like a god. It's sickening."

There were several cases where students were ignored, even by the police. The documentary also shed light on a conflict of interest, which explained why presidents at different colleges and universities don't want star athletes or fraternities to get into trouble. Fraternity alumni often donate and adding money to the budget is a top priority for presidents. In the end, more and more victims have suffered.

“I loved the movie. It was very eye opening," Vinona Rugova, a sophomore majoring in marketing and minoring in philosophy said. "It brings light to an important issue.”

Students received a pamphlet that had "Sexual Assault: You are Not Alone" on the cover. This is Pace University's guide to options, resources and support for students on the New York City and Westchester campus. Also included in the pamphlet is advice about how to help a friend, myths and facts about sexual assault, and safety tips.

Another student who had positive feedback about the documentary is Kayla Graniero, junior and communications major at Pace University. “I thought the movie was a great example of very necessary exposure to a difficult topic to talk about amongst our age group. It was very frightening to become aware of the number of universities that treat sexual assault with such discrimination and heinous discretion.”

To see it live in theaters, bring a group, host a screening, take action, or donate, visit:

http://www.thehuntinggroundfilm.com/

New York Times Critic Comes to Pace University

I took a picture with her but I respect her wishes not to post it.

New York Times critic, Janet Maslin, came to Pace University on the Westchester campus last week on Wednesday from 6-8 P.M. in the Choate House Art Gallery. Maslin is currently a book critic and the president of the Jacob Burns Film Center, which now has five theater locations. 

Dean Nira Herrmann interviewed Maslin about her career as a book and film critic for The New York Times. Maslin discussed her approach to criticism, the challenges of reading numerous books, and explained why she left film for books. 

Maslin began discussing her early career as a movie critic, where she reviewed films for 23 years. She also mentioned how so many things changed since she started, like competing with the Rotten Tomatoes website, along with other critics who now have the freedom to post anything online. 

As a film critic, she believed she should report a little bit of the movie as if the person had never seen it before. She tried to look at each film differently without preoccupation. As far as the process of what she was assigned to review, she explained that the chief critic would decide. For years she worked with Vincent Canby, who she describes as an elegant writer. She eventually became a chief critic herself.

At an early age, Maslin was obsessed with films. Her favorite movie is Lawrence of Arabia.

“I saw it maybe 25 times,” Maslin said. “It was like a Broadway show; there was an intermission. I just loved that kind of big screen experience." 

Maslin talked about how she grew up in a very pop culture centered house. She also read a lot of books, which she said naturally turned into work. The reason why she stopped reviewing films was because she felt burned out. 

 “When you start, everything is exciting, but then it becomes tedious because you're just filling up space,” Maslin said. “I wanted to quit but they offered me the book critic job. Stay home, read books, and not go into the office? It was a fresh, new thing.”

She said that it’s much harder to review books because it requires highlighting, note taking, etc. However, Maslin said it's much easier than writing a book, which she said she would never do. It takes up more of her time to review a book than watching a movie that lasts two hours. Yet, she likes reviewing books much better. 

Herrmann asked about getting into the business and for students who are interested, Maslin provided her positive expertise about getting into this field. 

“For students who are interested, I don't think there have been any more opportunities than there are now,” Maslin said. “What you study here is not occupational. It just prepares you.”

Malsin also revealed that she took a film class and received a D. 

 “There are no qualifications. If you do it, do it well.”

When asked if reading is disappearing she said: “Absolutely not. I think book clubs pick terrible things."

She spoke about a novel that was released last year called “We Are Not Ourselves” by Matthew Thomas. Although her son is not big on reading, she said that he read the entire book, even though it was 600 pages in length. 

"If the right book comes along, people will read." 

The interview was followed by a Q&A so that students/professors had free reign to ask her any questions they wanted.

One student asked about her favorite genre, which is mystery books and crime fiction/film. When she started writing for The New York Times they didn't have her reviewing these types of books. Even though she enjoys reading mystery and crime books, she is a very eclectic reader. 

“I’m interested in anything if it's interesting,” Maslin said.

Even though she isn't a movie critic anymore, she was asked if she caught herself viewing movies in the same way as she did when she was a critic. 

“It's really fun not to have an opinion,” Maslin said. It's nice being able to have an informed conversation.” Because she now works for the Jacob Burns Film Center, she added, “If I gave my opinion for everything, we'd be out of business."

"It was a great event," Gabriel Solano, sophomore and Communications major said. "She spoke with experience and was lighthearted."

Pace University students really enjoyed Maslin taking time to come and speak with them, but one student thought that her views might be a bit outdated. 

"Her opinions on the critic world now and then had me question her ideas because times are changing," Susan Harris, president of Unity and Social Justice of SGA (Student Government Association) said. "Overall, her insight and legendary status in the film and critic world brought on many great changes that are of importance today. It was wonderful meeting this dynamic woman."

Want to see movies at the Jacob Burns Film Center? Check out https://www.burnsfilmcenter.org/

Pace Students Reflect on Rebuilding Homes During Spring Break

Pace University students from the New York City and Westchester campus joined forces during their spring break to rebuild homes in Far Rockaway, New York that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy. The students helped with a group called Friends of Rockaway, which is described on their website as “a local affiliate of the St. Bernard Project, dedicated to rebuilding and repairing homes for Sandy survivors in the Rockaway peninsula who cannot afford to rebuild on their own.”  Most people don’t hear much about Hurricane Sandy victims anymore because there isn’t a lot of coverage in the media, yet people are still lacking the basic necessities, like electricity and proper sewage.  

The first day Pace students spent time getting to know one another and watching a documentary about people who had to relocate to hotels and shelters. Students also learned that there wasn’t much disaster relief provided by the government. In addition, Pace students were assigned days to write blog posts about their day, as well as the people they met.

Students met with volunteers the second day, where they could get their hands dirty, literally. No prior experience was necessary for students to lend a helping hand because two volunteers at each location trained/assisted students throughout the entire process. They instructed them on basic rebuilding, like using power tools, sanding, mudding walls, painting, etc. The students split up into two groups, working on two different homes at the same time. 

“Participating in Pace’s Alternative Spring Break was extremely rewarding,” Elizabeth Garcia, junior and English Literature and Language major said. “It opened my eyes to a problem so close to home. At first, I couldn’t believe two years had gone by because there is still so much more work to be done. After taking part in this trip, I want to go back and continue helping in the Rockaways and inspire others to do the same.”

Students also had the opportunity to speak with a news editor from the local paper, The Wave, as well as representatives from the St. Bernard Project. After four long days, students were proud of what they had accomplished on their trip.

Ashleen Ulysse, a sophomore and accounting major said, “It was definitely a life changing experience that I am honored to have been a part of. Even though the house was not complete when left, I feel like our team had made a huge impact in the life of the family we helped. During my trip I also got the opportunity to meet with the writer of a local newspaper who gave us recommendations on topics to write to local elected officials. Not only did I get a chance to volunteer for four days in the Rockaways, but I also got a chance to speak up for that community. I genuinely recommend this experience to all Pace students.”

When Ulysse mentioned her opportunity to speak up for the community, she was referring to letters that students wrote to elected officials, which was a requirement once students returned to campus. Ulysse wasn’t the only student who was impacted by her experience at Far Rockaway.

“The highlight of my trip was seeing the drastic change in progress on the home, because in the span of a few days, as a team, we had worked together and completed the tasks we were given,” Tiffany Pabon, a junior at Pace said. “Seeing how happy Mr. Obola was to see the work that was being done on his home was so satisfying and reaffirmed why I chose to volunteer. I got to help the Obola family and I made new and fond memories. That week I was doing things that I never thought I would ever find myself doing; I worked with drywall, power tools, and mudding. I am a volunteer because I want to see change in the world. Although I am only one person out of the billions, knowing I can make the difference is encouraging. All it takes is one to make a change.” 

For more information about how to get involved, visit: http://friendsofrockaway.org/

 

Varsity Track and Field Rookie of the Year

Vyha Nguyen won Rookie of the Year for Varsity Track and Field, representing Hendrick Hudson High School. Nguyen, 15, was born and raised in Peekskill, NY where she currently resides. I had the opportunity to do a one-on-one interview with her.

Me: Hey, thanks for taking time out of your schedule for this interview. You won Rookie of the Year as a scholar athlete for Hendrick Hudson. That's incredible. Congratulations! 

Vy-Ha: Thank you so much!

Me: You're welcome. This is such a huge accomplishment. How long have you been running track?

Vy-Ha: I started running modified track in eighth grade. Now that I'm in high school, I've been running for the varsity track and field team.

Me: And you're a freshmen this year, right?

Vy-Ha: Yes

Me: Do you feel a lot of pressure being so young on the varsity team?

Vy-Ha: Yes and no. Yes, because it becomes very intense and competitive during the track meets but no, due to the fact that running is a love of mine.

Me: I see what you mean. When you're passionate about something it becomes like second nature to you, right?

Vy-Ha: Definitely.

Me: So how does your coach help you train for meets?

Vy-Ha: I have three: Coach Bails, Coach Riley, and Coach Yee. All three of them help me train for the meets by working on my stamina, my forms, and my speed. I would usually do many sprinter drills and practice the events I will be doing throughout the season.

Me: Do you ever get nervous?

Vy-Ha: I'm always nervous before I run in a race.

Me: Really? What helps you to do so well despite your nerves?

Vy-Ha: I would just run. Once I'm running, my nervousness is out of my system.

Me: I used to run track when I was in high school and I was the same way. What motivated you to start running?

Vy-Ha: I was always interested in running but was never serious about it until a friend of mine told me to try modified track. When I ran my first race, I was so nervous that I actually fell. After that, I wanted to make sure that I wouldn't do so and I wanted to improve my speed.

Me: It's a good thing your friend mentioned it to you and it's admirable that you didn't allow that one fall to stop you from running.

Vy-Ha: Thank you. I always laugh at it whenever I look back at that moment.

Me: Yeah, it's good that you can laugh about it now. Do you plan on going pro after high school?

Vy-Ha: When you say "going pro after high school" do you mean running in college?

Me: Yes. Scouts are always watching.

Vy-Ha: Then, yes. I would hate to stop running.

Me: Which event do you run? The 100-meter? The 200-meter?

Vy-Ha: In the winter, I would run the 55 meter dash, 55 meter hurdles, 200 meter, and sometimes a 4x200 relay. In the spring, I'll be running the 100 meter, 200 meter, and a 4x200 relay but I've been told to work on my 400 meter for the upcoming event, Penn Relays.

Me: Wow, so you do a lot! What date is set for Penn Relays?

Vy-Ha: We're not sure of what day we will be going but it's April 23-25.

Me: Oh okay. Well that's coming up soon. Do you play any other sports off season?

Vy-Ha: No. Track seems to be the only sport that I enjoy doing and that I’m good at.

Me: There's nothing wrong with that. You found what you're great at. What do you like to do in your spare time when you aren't running?

Vy-Ha: I like to draw, play my guitar and sing or write in my spare time. I also enjoy photography.

Me: Nice! You seem very well rounded. Who do you look up to the most?

Vy-Ha: Lauren Mandelkow. She is a sophomore who is doing track as well. She's my inspiration. From the moment I saw her run, I wanted to run as fast as her. I dream to be successful as she is in track.

Me: She's on your team?

Vy-Ha: Yes.

Me: Oh, that's cool. Are you two close?

Vy-Ha: I guess you can say we are in some ways. Whenever I need help, she'll be there and vice versa.

Me: That's great. Is your family supportive of you running track? They must be proud.

Vy-Ha: They are always encouraging me and are very supportive.

Me: That's excellent.

Vy-Ha: Haha, I agree.

  

Me: Do you have a favorite quote or saying that inspires you?

Vy-Ha: In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that." - Fred Lebow

Me: That's a good quote! Thanks so much for the interview. It sounds like you have a bright future ahead of you. I wish you the best at Penn Relays! 

  

Vy-Ha: Thank you so much!

Me: Thank you.