Q: Welcome, Colby Earp, to A New Cafe.com. You are our new summer intern, and we’re so happy to have you here as a Shasta College student through its Center for Community Engagement. You chose A News Cafe.com because you want a taste of the world of journalism. Lucky us to have you. We hope you learn a lot during your internship with us.
Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
Thank you for the introduction. My name is Colby Earp. I’m 27-years-old, majoring in journalism and soon transferring to Chico State to complete my degree. I was born in Redding, but was predominantly raised in Medford, Oregon.
I come from a large military family. My dad was Army, my mom Navy, and some uncles and cousins were in other branches. I decided to take a different approach in life. Since I was a kid I have delved into many areas of interest, from sports, to art and nine years of piano, to writing, interests in politics and learning about the environment.
My greatest passion is to be a journalist. Being a humanitarian at heart, I have long felt that seeking truth with the purpose to inform and better the lives of others is what I aim to do.
Q: That’s a worthy and lofty goal, Colby. If I could change the subject a bit away from journalism, and return the conversation back to you for a second, what would you like people to know about what it’s like to be a college student in 2015?
To be honest, being a college student here in 2015 is a challenge. Though Shasta College remains more affordable than some 2-year schools, the limitations in the school curriculum do pose some challenges when deciding on a major. If that’s not concerning enough for students, there’s the reality that we have to figure everything out, including what we want to do for our lifelong careers, with the knowledge that obtaining degrees no longer guarantees us jobs in our future. That means added stress many students (including myself) struggle with today.
Q: What is it about journalism that interests you … I mean, at least until you are immersed in it and possibly change your mind and run screaming for another career?
I see journalism as an educational experience. Finding stories and, investigating situations requires the journalist to learn all there is to know; to educate myself on all matters I may cover or write about. I find this exciting.
Q: I agree that is one of the best parts about being a journalist. In fact, I find some of my best stories are ones where I go into it completely ignorant of the subject matter, and have to learn from scratch.
Speaking of which, when you and I met, we decided you would have the water beat, and everything having to do with the fallout from the drought. Your article will fall under the “Waterwise” series title. What water angles would you like to explorer?
I would like to begin by talking about the current water shortages here in Shasta County. Having a clear understanding how dire our situation is would make for a better understanding of our current water regulations. Finding ways in which our county is trying to conserve water would make for an informative story.
Q: Do you have a back-up career interest, not that journalism won’t completely steal your heart?
If for any reason journalism doesn’t work out, I have considered public relations as a possible fallback career.
Q: Wise move. I know a few journalists who’ve gone the PR route, and there’s no shame in that (and, frankly, the pay is usually better.) But you don’t have to jump off that bridge today. When you aren’t working this summer, do you have plans for anything fun?
As a matter of fact I do have some fun plans this summer. I will taking some fun trips to see family both in Ocean Side, Seattle and possibly Boston at the end of the summer.
Q: Sounds like fun! Thank for taking the time to do this interview. Anything else you’d like us to know?
I am very much looking forward to developing my journalistic skills and keeping all A News Café readers informed. I look forward talking with all of you soon.
And if readers have suggestions for water-related stories, especially if they are dealing first-hand with water-related issues, I welcome their comments, below, or they can email me at cearp@anewscafe.com.
