By Volante Blogger Darcy Semmler
Recently, I had one of the greatest highlights of my short time here at USD when I was given the opportunity to shadow Sheri Levisay and Lloyd Cunningham of the Argus Leader. I never thought opportunities like these would present themselves so early in college, especially in my freshman year.
In typical teenage fashion, the best way I can describe it is: absolutely awesome.
For once, I was able to ask any and all questions pertaining to the newspaper and what they did best. From other stories that Sheri’s written to her experiences as a copy editor, she was kind enough to give me the honest truth of what it’s like to write for a large newspaper. Lloyd had plenty of stories to tell, which were just as fascinating. As a photographer for my high school yearbook, I was really missing out on the fun of photojournalism. But one thing was clear: they love what they do, and that speaks volumes.
Not only did I have the chance to talk with seasoned reporters, but I was able to watch Sheri as she worked, interviewing and chatting with the Freedom Forum’s Executive Director, Jack Marsh. It’s one thing to go out in the field as a high school student and try to interview, but to see a reporter with experience sparking a conversation with the interviewee really gave me an understanding of how reporting works. I could see where I’ve done right in the past, but also where I can definitely loosen up in later interviews.
In addition to shadowing, we were all looking forward to opening the case containing the Magna Carta, circa 1350. The “Words that Changed History” exhibit is being featured in the Al Neuharth Media Center right now. It is a world-class collection of rare books and manuscripts that Jack Marsh allowed us to touch and examine. There are just some perks to being a reporter that must be taken advantage of when we can, right? However, as they propped up the glass case and pulled out the Magna Carta, Sheri pointed at me and said, “Why don’t we let Darcy hold it?”
Really? I was left speechless. I was thrilled just to have a chance to watch them in action (let alone meeting these two in person), but to touch the Magna Carta? I highly doubt job shadowing in high school would have resulted in something this amazing.
For the duration of my Monday, I had one phrase running through my head: I got to touch the freaking Magna Carta!
I cannot thank Sheri and Lloyd enough for allowing me to follow them around as they worked. They’ve given me an experience I’ll never forget, and I learned an immense amount in such a short amount of time.
