Meet Nicole Mistretta, a mass communication major from Baton Rouge, LA. With her concentration in journalism, she plans to make an impact on modern media.
СAPPI hope to become a source which someone, somewhere can trust,СAPP Nicole said. СAPPI chose to study journalism at UL Lafayette because I was drawn to their embracing of old news principles. The journalism department at the СAPP avoids sensationalizing news and aims to present solid, factual news.СAPP
In addition to the curriculum, Nicole appreciates the intimate learning environment UL Lafayette offers.
СAPPI love having a smaller major,СAPP she said. СAPPIn each class, we come together and help each other become better writers while having an absolute blast. IСAPPve never felt closer to a group of classmates."
"Not only are we close with one another, but we are close with our professors," she added. "Dr. Stephenson Waters and Dr. Jim Lovel work incredibly hard to give us individualized attention.СAPP
Both Professor Lovel and Waters have had a particularly strong impact on NicoleСAPPs experience.
СAPPDr. Lovel has inspired me and pushed me to become a better writer in all his classes,СAPP she said. СAPPHe is cutthroat and no-nonsense when it comes to a story but on a personal level, he is a goofball who cares about his students.СAPP
Nicole said LovelСAPPs Intro to Newswriting class (CMCN 212) helped her feel СAPPgrounded in my advanced journalism classes.СAPP
СAPP[The class] confused and frustrated me but in the end, I felt confident in my writing,СAPP she said. "I have full confidence that without him pushing me out of my comfort zone, I would have been lost in more advanced classes.СAPP
Dr. Waters also prepared Nicole for her future by teaching her data journalism, which teaches students how to analyze large data sets and apply them to stories.
СAPPData journalism is new to the СAPP and has opened so many doors for me,СAPP she continued. СAPPThat type of reporting is my current focus at my internship and what I believe is ultimately going to land me my first job.СAPP
СAPPIt's something that the journalism world really needs and not a lot of people are very comfortable with," she said. "At first, I really didn't want to take a class that revolves around numbers because part of why I chose my major was to avoid math. Now I can't really imagine not including some form of data in an article.СAPP
NicoleСAPPs confident in the foundation sheСAPPs receiving in all of her journalism classes.
СAPPOur entire program is dedicated to preparing us for our job,СAPP she said. СAPPRather than taking tests and doing homework, we go out into the field and write stories like real reporters. I feel confident in my craft and I learn something new about journalism every single day.
"I am constantly pushed out of my comfort zone, and thatСAPPs not a bad thing at all."
