Page 7 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2024 - Online Magazine

LOCAL LEGENDS

journalism is one of the pillars on which our society is
perched.” This reveals the importance of journalism
because who you listen to and who you trust as a source
of information can completely change your perspective.

Speaking with Mr. Pelley was inspiring and impactful.
Although our time with him was limited to dinner,
we will carry the insights he shared for many years.
We recognize the importance of applying what he
taught us as we continue to pursue our education and
future careers. We will strive always to be open to new
Abigail Agee, Scott Pelley, Isabel Meyers
and Talkington Teacher, Kim Foster opportunities in every aspect of life. We will also be
open-minded when listening to other people’s stories to
consistent rejection, he continued to persevere. Now, Mr. gain a broader perspective of their lives and experiences.
Pelley is a successful journalist and is the most awarded Our conversation with Mr. Pelley helped us appreciate
correspondent in the history of 60 Minutes. a growth mindset because remaining open to new

We asked him, “Did you notice a common thread in opportunities and listening to others’ experiences leads to
your top three favorite interviews?” He replied that our own more interesting and varied life experiences.
those memorable occasions were the ones in which We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Pelley for his support
the interviewees were honest and open about their of the Lubbock ISD Foundation of Excellence. Although
experiences. His favorite stories are in his book, Truth our time in New York City was brief, we will continue to
Worth Telling: A Reporter's Search for Meaning in the Stories reflect on the experience and his words for years to come.
of Our Times, which provides insight into the value of
learning about people and telling others about those
viewpoints. He said the most captivating and impactful
articles are about people’s lives and what they have gone
through.

Mr. Pelley emphasized one of the most important roles
of journalism is to take people's honest experiences and
share them via media—such as in an article or news
report—so it can impact others. When the interviewees
are truthful about their experiences, they can have
a lifelong influence that may change people's views
about an issue. He told us that a good journalist should
encourage interviewees to be open and honest, and this
starts with making the interview more of a conversation.
Once you begin the interview, he said your questions
should aim at learning the most about the topic from
the person’s perspective. As beginning journalists,
we learned that we need to go into every interview
well-prepared, while keeping an open mind, to let the
interview reveal truth.

As high school students, we have learned that journalism
is a vital part of our country because it provides people
with information. Journalism strives to provide the truth
and serve as a reliable source. Without it, we would be
less educated and aware of what is happening in our
local community and around the world.

Mr. Pelley noted in his book, “Quality of life is dependent
on the quality of journalism.... If you think about it,

Lubbock Senior Link 7