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Hernando Today

Kids Say The Darndest Things

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By LINNEA BROWN

Reporter's Notebook

Published: May 23, 2008

It's sort of like a media version of the uncertainty principle: The very act of observing something can change it forever.
That was how I felt last month, when I spoke to a group of fifth-graders at Chocachatti Elementary School in Spring Hill about being a reporter: Changed.
It was part of a Career Day activity, in which I — and other local professionals, such as a firefighter, a Weeki Wachee Springs mermaid and a motocross racer — spoke to small groups about the "ins and outs" of our chosen professions.
At first, I was flattered to learn that the 20 or so kids in my group had specifically signed up to hear a newspaper journalist.
My ego quickly deflated after several explained that they had chosen "journalist" as their second and third choices, and had been placed in my group after the more glamorous professions filled up.
Either way, I tried to stick to the exciting aspects of being a reporter: getting to meet celebrities, for example, or gaining access to places "ordinary" citizens can't.
I passed out copies of the newspaper and told them about the 24-hour news cycle from start to finish, from writing copy, to layout to distribution, and the ever-evolving transition to online news.
The kids didn't seem to care that my career choice has taken me in the same room with President George W. Bush, or that I've interviewed convicted murderers and former KGB spies.
Instead, here are some of their impressions, taken from "thank you" notes I received last week:
From Breanna M:
"I really enjoyed knowing how to use the newspaper. It looks fun. I think I should tell my parents about it. It must be fun going up to rock stars and other famous people and take pictures."
From Christopher Helm:
"I really enjoyed learning what the different jobs that a news company does but I like the job that is called the popperotsy, it looks pretty fun doing that job."
From Elly Weyde:
"I didn't pick this carrier but I had an awesome time. Your clothes you were wareing were very cool. Next time you see a rockstar or a famous person or someone you think is famous get there atograph and send one to me. It was so cool that you gave me a free newspaper. My mom was glad she didn't have to buy one."
From Dante Hamilton:
"It looks like a very challenging job to I learned that if you want to (be) that person you can't be nervous about asking questions or anything else."
From Jade:
"Being a reporter is something I'll definitely consider, but I've got another idea about writing children's books. Write back about any celebrities you meet like Oprah Winfrey. My grandma is queit a fan."
And "You weren't my last pick. You were my third."
I have to say, I loved their honesty. They really made me remember why I chose this career.
Thanks, guys.

Reporter Linnea Brown can be reached at 352-544-5289 or lbrown@hernandotoday.com.

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