Jennifer Rios - Spring 2008

Jennifer RiosI wrote my first article during my sophomore year of college. It was a story about how Angelo State University honored Constitution Day, and I had no clue what I was doing. On my first day in Washington, when I stood before the Capitol, I felt the same surge of excitement. And jitters.

While I plan to tackle this semester with the same drive I had two years ago, I can safely say I am not the same person.

My earliest concern as a reporter was seeing my byline and front-page placement. Since then, I have gone on to play the role of copy editor, managing editor and editor in chief of the Ram Page, the student newspaper. My trip through these positions gave me different insights into what editors expect of a staff and what reporters require from editors.

During my time at ASU, I also freelanced at the San Angelo Standard-Times and Alive and Well Magazine, a health and travel publication. My junior year, I applied for a Buster Haas Minority Internship and continued to work for the Standard-Times for 10 weeks during the summer.

The people I worked with at my college newspaper and local daily were essential in getting me this far. I cannot thank them enough for the experience I gained or the contacts I made.

As a reporter about to embark on an exciting career, I welcome this Washington experience with open arms and an open mind. Since my career began with celebrating the laws our nation was built upon, it's only fitting I return to my roots. So to speak.

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