Erinn R. Johnson - 2004 Hampton University Short Course

I’ve never had what some would call a “light bulb moment.” Writing was just something I had always been good at. It came easily to me, unlike algebra, chemistry or gym class.

I enjoyed writing short stories, narratives and different forms of poetry throughout junior high.

It was in a ninth grade journalism course in my hometown, Harrisburg, Pa., that I had my first encounter with the art of writing and delivering news to the public. I really enjoyed this new style of writing that was being introduced to me. I immediately threw myself into the school newspaper and yearbook, writing as much as possible about anything and everything.

I have an older brother, who is a gym teacher, my father is in business and my mother works for the state.

Once I entered college at Hampton University, I found myself falling in love with my journalism courses and truly beginning to see my future. Journalism suddenly became not just something I was good at, but something I really enjoyed. Next year, I will be the entertainment editor for the Hampton Script.

My ultimate goal is to become an editor at a respected newspaper and to continue to learn as much as possible about journalism.

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