Some Peninsula College courses that might normally require lengthy commutes are available from home, including those that are part of the Buccaneer student newspaper.
Those courses offer opportunities to gain writing and other skills while enjoying working with fellow staffers who could range in age from around 16 to retirees in their 80s and beyond.
I know because I have a degree in journalism and taught those skills for many years. I’ve used them in a great variety of careers and volunteer activities, including newspapers, radio, television, magazines, films, businesses, public institutions, nonprofit organizations and even trying to save a salmon stream. The ability to make greater sense of my life through responsible media also is important to me.
Taking advantage of the online student newspaper courses not only can prevent commuting stress. It also could help assure the enrollment needed to keep the award-winning student newspaper alive, providing communications important to the college community and beyond as well as great learning experiences.
The ”Buc” already has proven itself an outstanding learning experience in these virtual education circumstances. Its most recent managing editor even led the staff spring quarter from her home in Japan and received a newswriting award from Pacific Northwest Association of Journalism Educators.
You can get read the virtual version of the newspaper at passthebuc.com and find information there about journalism scholarships. You also can email the journalism/photojournalism instructor and Buccaneer faculty adviser Rich Riski at rriski@pencol.edu.
Robbie Mantooth
Port Angeles