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Cross-post/publi sh on the blog of a classmate who shares your beat. This can include a f/u to one of their posts, or an opinion. You can link to each other's posts.

  After reading your post very informational reading Nyla ’s post   about the key influences on Atlanta’s artistic community. Classmate link:  https://nylamortonmedia.blogspot.com/2025/11/three-historic-cultural-moments-that.html?sc=1764820148314#c8041029764442586312 . Their analysis of how local festivals and community leaders shaped our city’s creative spirit inspired me to dig deeper into the timeline of Atlanta’s cultural milestones. In my own research, I identified three historic dates that continue to shape our arts and storytelling scene today: October 5, 1881 — The Opening of the Atlanta University Center (AUC): This moment established a hub for Black intellectual and creative talent, which still fuels Atlanta’s national influence in the arts. September 12, 1960 — The AUC Students Launch The Atlanta Student Movement: I agree with Nyla that activism and the arts go hand-in-hand here. The student movement used creative expression to push for social change a traditio...

Find three local and/or campus organizations that relate to your beat. Identify the media contact and come up with a story idea.

  1. CAU Wellness Center Media Contact:  Dr. Lisa Martinez, Director Email:   lmartinez@cau.edu Story Idea: “Late-Night Wellness: How Extended Hours at the CAU Wellness Center Support Student Safety.” Explore how the Wellness Center’s late hours give students a safe space for exercise, stress relief, and support after dark. 2. Atlanta Bicycle Coalition Media Contact:  Sarah Matthews, Community Outreach Coordinator Email:   sarah@atlantabike.org Story Idea: “Pedal Safe: What Are Atlanta’s Initiatives Doing to Protect College Cyclists?” Investigate how local cycling advocacy affects student safety around Clark Atlanta, especially with recent bike thefts and new bike lanes. 3. CAU Office of Emergency Management Media Contact:  Michael Grant, Emergency Management Coordinator Email:   mgrant@cau.edu Story Idea: “Are Students Ready for Emergencies? Inside CAU’s Preparedness Drills and Alert Systems.” Examine how the office trains students for severe weather,...

Follow three professional journalists who cover your beat. Engage with their social media (take a screenshot).

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Take notes on a conversation you overhear that is related to someone else’s beat and share it with them.

  Date:   November 26 , 2025 Location:  Outside the Wellness Center Topic:  Student Health on Campus Conversation Notes: Two students were talking about the new stress management workshops offered by the Wellness Center. One said, “I went to the workshop last week it actually helped me learn how to manage my anxiety during finals.” The other replied, “I wish they’d advertise these things more. I only found out because a friend told me.” Both agreed that more mental health resources and drop-in counseling hours would be helpful, especially during exam season. One student mentioned wanting more healthy food options in the dining hall to support overall wellness. How I Shared: I passed these notes to Genneil Brown , who is reporting on health for their beat. I suggested that these comments could be useful for a story on the impact of mental health workshops, student awareness of wellness resources, or the connection between nutrition and student well-being.

Interview a student outside your major for their perspective on your beat. Blog about it.

  Interviewee: Kameron Britt, Business Major Blog Post: Kameron Britt shared that, as a commuter, he worries about parking lot security after evening classes. He appreciates new lighting but wishes for more patrols. He also mentioned that business students often study late in campus buildings and could benefit from more visible safety staff.

Talk with a professor about your beat (not in the MMA department or Communication Arts Division). Upload takeaways from the conversation.

P rofessor:  Dr. Lovett Marilyn , Department of Psychology Takeaways: Dr. Lovett emphasized the importance of understanding student anxiety about campus safety and suggested collaborating with counseling services to report on both physical and emotional safety. She recommended surveying students about their concerns and including their voices in stories.

Write about three trends or future projections related to your beat.

  Increased Use of Technology:  More universities are installing smart cameras and emergency call boxes to improve campus security. Mental Health & Safety Integration:  Schools are focusing more on connecting mental health support with safety resources. Student-Led Safety Initiatives:  There’s a rise in student organizations leading safety walks, peer escort programs, and awareness campaigns.