At the end of all of this, I believe that COMM 409 has been a great course. I have learned many things throughout this semester even with the difficult new learning techniques that Mr. Bong did a wonderful job in perfecting. A few of my other professors have struggled with the Zoom techniques but there is never an issue when I log on for COMM 409. I am very thankful for the easy transition that this had to go all online. Not all my classes have been this easy. I am glad to have such great insight into the rules of journalism. Even though journalism is not my major this class opened my eyes to many new lessons.
We learned many ethical lessons throughout the class. My favorite lesson we touched on is honesty. A lesson that seems so simple in life and journalism but has a very shady record that haunts many individuals. We learned so many journalists and anchors who attempted to make their lives easier by making shortcuts along the way. Of course, these individuals learned from their mistakes the hard way but that is not the only lesson we learned. The way we started off the class with Shattered Glass was a great example of anyone who can stretch the truth and commit fabrication. Stephen Glass highlights a journalist who could have it all but decides to use lies to buffer his career. He put himself in a situation where being true to himself is the only left he had to do but instead found himself making lies and digging himself into a deeper circle. This is important to me because it taught me a lot about self-worth and sometimes it’s someone you thought you could trust. Many followed in Stephen Glass’ footsteps and had to learn the hard way that honesty is the best route. I believe that those lessons I learned will help me make decisions in the future. I know not to just be truthful to myself but everyone around me.
The case studies we continued to be educated by my fellow classmates were a very nice addition to the class that I appreciated. I enjoyed learning these backstories of how some professionals took a wrong turn in their career and how they live with those mistakes. Throughout learning more about these people and their past I learned a lot about the journalism values that it takes to become a professional in the workforce. This is slowly preparing me more and more for the real world.
COMM 409 turned out to be a much more useful course than I had expected. I came in not having a clue what I was getting into, but I left learning a lot of information that will help me in my future. This class might have been needed for my major but I will say that it is one of the best classes I have had in my 2-year tenure at Penn State. Dr. Z is not only a wonderful man but someone who genuinely cares about his students. He is so quick to find out what is the best option for us and always willing to give a helping hand. I wish all of my professors took the time and care that Dr. Z does. Thank you, Dr. Z, for all your help through these tough times.