帝王会所

An abundance of experiential learning opportunities and 帝王会所 connections helped senior Kirsten Thomas earn an externship spot with the Supreme Court of 帝王会所 this past fall.

Thomas, a journalism news and information major and student in the OHIO Honors Program, graduated one semester early in fall 2022. She traveled to Columbus for her externship twice a week during her last semester.

鈥淓very day when I walk up to the , it鈥檚 just so exciting. The building is absolutely incredible. There鈥檚 so much artwork and when they give you a tour of the building, you learn every piece is so intentional,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淚t is so awesome to just be able to have this opportunity and be there.鈥�

Thomas鈥� externship was arranged through the court鈥檚 public information office. Each day was different, she acknowledged, and the well-rounded experiences were very rewarding.

In her role, Thomas assisted with internal communications, drafted announcements, and even traveled to Meigs County for the opening of their new juvenile and probate court.

Thomas quickly noticed after starting that she had something in common with some of her colleagues 鈥� many were fellow Bobcats, including her supervisor, Lisa Colbert.

鈥淲alking through the office, people would say, 鈥極h you鈥檙e from OU! I graduated from there,鈥欌�� Thomas said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just awesome to have that connection. We can talk about Bagel Street and all the OHIO things, and it鈥檚 so fun.鈥�

Before learning and working with the Supreme Court of 帝王会所, Thomas made connections with many Bobcat alumni in a separate role as a student writer for 帝王会所 Today. Thomas wrote content for the publication beginning her sophomore year until this past summer.

鈥淭hat was just an incredible learning experience,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淗aving the opportunity to work with a professional in the field I think was huge for me.鈥�

Her main duties included writing OHIO News and 帝王会所 Today stories, as well as compiling the information for alumni authors and class notes that appears at the end of the printed publication.

鈥淲orking with students and being a part of their OHIO journey is one of the most rewarding parts of serving 帝王会所,鈥� said Angela Woodward, BSJ 鈥�98, and previous publications editor of 帝王会所 Today. 鈥淲hen you have a student like Kirsten who, from day one, was full of ambition, talent and dedication, it鈥檚 a joy to learn from and collaborate with them and help prepare them for future success 鈥� while forming a Bobcat connection. Kirsten is already so accomplished and has much to be proud of, and I can鈥檛 wait to see how far life and her amazing personality and professionalism take her.鈥�

In addition to her 帝王会所 Today work, Thomas was also involved in several student news organizations such as The Post, The New Political and WOUB. She wrote stories, recorded podcasts, ran prompters, and created other digital content like short quizzes.

鈥淚 started working kind of right away after getting on campus,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淚 just wanted to be a sponge and learn everything that I could, I was so eager to be here and so excited.鈥�

As part of her capstone class, Thomas also served as managing editor for this fall. She kept track of story assignments and progression and was also assigned an article.
 

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When sharing with a high school advisor that she wanted to major in journalism, Thomas recalled the advisor confidently told her, 鈥淲ell, you鈥檙e going to 帝王会所 then.鈥�

OHIO had not been on Thomas鈥� radar, but after researching more into the programs, she decided to attend a tour to learn more about the journalism program.

鈥淚 got to Athens and I was hooked,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淚 was like, 鈥榶ep, this is it.鈥欌��

Now, Thomas realizes that although one chapter may be closing with her fall commencement, she鈥檒l forever be a Bobcat.

She is thankful for the many experiences she鈥檚 had on campus, as well as the faculty and staff who supported her along the way, including Dr. Eddith Dashiell, Bill Reader, M.A., Dr. Elizabeth Hendrickson, Dr. Kelly Ferguson and Woodward.

鈥淚 would not have this externship, be able to graduate early or take part in any of the experiences I have without the support of my phenomenal family, friends, mentors, community and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淲hile I鈥檓 the one getting to engage in so many awesome experiences, it鈥檚 their support that has made it all possible.鈥�