Oxford Journalism: Media and Digital Storytelling

The New York Times Oxford Journalism Student Journey was the best summer experience I've ever had. Not only did I learn incredibly useful writing skills, but I also became a more independent person. Spending two weeks at Oxford away from my family gave me a taste of what college may be like. The program challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and try skills such as interviewing Oxford locals about the accuracy of the Harry Potter films. I also learned many skills that extended beyond journalism, such as how to pitch an idea and how to effectively collaborate with others. On the program, I also met so many amazing students from all around the United States. Our synonymous love of journalism helped me to instantly connect with other students, sharing stories of our school newspapers, our hometowns and our love-hate relationships with the media. I still keep in touch with at least five or six students from the program. During the program, we traveled all over Oxford and around England to Stonehenge, London, and Stratford upon-Avon. By far, the most incredible part of the trip, however, is meeting the New York Times journalists and editors. Through lectures, presentations, debates and simply chatting while strolling down the street in Oxford, I learned so much about their experiences as professional journalists. All the NYT experts were so engaged in the program and genuinely wanted to talk to each and every one of us about our ideas for our final project or even just about our lives. Having a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, such as Jim Dwyer, read and edit your writing is a priceless experience. I am very proud of my final project, an op-ed on to whom art belongs, featuring Oxford's Ashmolean Museum. Looking back on the program, I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride and accomplishment, along with many fond memories of days spent exploring Oxford's streets. I came away from the program as a better writer and a more independent person, with many amazing new friends and great stories to tell. I am even looking to participate in another New York Times Student Journey next summer!