When the chemical attacks happened in Syria, my first question was, "Why is the Missourian not covering this?" The very logical response from the ACE at the time was, "We're a community paper and people come to us for events in this community, not news they can get from national media." It made sense.
About a week later, I received an email from Stephanie Ebbs suggesting I try to localize Syria for Columbia residents. She gave me the name of an MU student from Syria, Hany Hawasly, and an MU professor who specializes in human rights.
I contacted them and began the process of interviewing. Over the course of the past week and a half, I interviewed two Syrian people. Only one of whom would go on the record, but that was two more Syrians than I had ever met (in my life), so I was thrilled they gave me their time.
I heard about their families, their studies and how difficult it is to be a graduate student with all of the instability and chaos back home. I tried to imagine what it would be like to see all of the violence on a television screen, but be completely unable to help because of the distance. I also wondered how they ever focus on their studies. I think my mind would wander and create all sorts of what-if scenarios. I never did hear from the professor and I probably should have tried calling. Next time.
I learned a tremendous amount from the reporting experience. Since I only had one voice to quote, my editors decided it would be strongest as a Q & A. I wish I had thought of it. They were right. It was much stronger as a Q & A. So, after two hour-plus interviews with Hany and several emails, texts and phone calls, I submitted the article.
MU student Hany Hawasly describes his experience as a Syrian in Columbia
MU's journalism school picked it up and posted it on their website as well: Missouri Photojournalism Master's Student Describes his Experience as a Syrian in Columbia
About a week later, I received an email from Stephanie Ebbs suggesting I try to localize Syria for Columbia residents. She gave me the name of an MU student from Syria, Hany Hawasly, and an MU professor who specializes in human rights.
I contacted them and began the process of interviewing. Over the course of the past week and a half, I interviewed two Syrian people. Only one of whom would go on the record, but that was two more Syrians than I had ever met (in my life), so I was thrilled they gave me their time.
I heard about their families, their studies and how difficult it is to be a graduate student with all of the instability and chaos back home. I tried to imagine what it would be like to see all of the violence on a television screen, but be completely unable to help because of the distance. I also wondered how they ever focus on their studies. I think my mind would wander and create all sorts of what-if scenarios. I never did hear from the professor and I probably should have tried calling. Next time.
I learned a tremendous amount from the reporting experience. Since I only had one voice to quote, my editors decided it would be strongest as a Q & A. I wish I had thought of it. They were right. It was much stronger as a Q & A. So, after two hour-plus interviews with Hany and several emails, texts and phone calls, I submitted the article.
MU student Hany Hawasly describes his experience as a Syrian in Columbia
MU's journalism school picked it up and posted it on their website as well: Missouri Photojournalism Master's Student Describes his Experience as a Syrian in Columbia
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