From the First Article to Full Time
by Jentezen Smith
It feels like yesterday that I was just a freshman here at Oklahoma Baptist University with no experience in journalism or any idea of how it really worked.
I distinctly remember my first article as a contributing writer for “The Bison” student newspaper. I wrote about Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC and I absolutely loved it.
It was my very first piece of journalism and while it had many flaws, that article ignited my passion for the industry and desire to become a credible journalist.
I wouldn’t officially join the student newspaper staff until the spring semester of my freshman year when my professor and advisor, Holly Easttom, convinced me it’d be a valuable experience.
Now as I look back, I can confidently say that’s exactly what it was.
In my time at “The Bison,” I’ve written over 80 stories and gotten to cover a plethora of what I love: sports. Not only did I get to cover campus sports, but any sports news in the country.
Throughout all my coverage I learned how to write articles, columns and editorials, as well as how to edit writing and interview people.
As I gained experience, I eventually got the opportunity to move from a Sports Writer to the Sports Editor, which helped me grow even more.
Not only did I progress as a journalist on campus because of the student newspaper, but my experience helped me land a journalism internship at the Lincoln County News.
And now because of that opportunity, I’ve officially been hired to work as a full-time Sports Writer in West Texas.
I’m eager and ready to begin my next chapter as a professional journalist, but before that I must give thanks where it’s due.
Thank you to OBU for the opportunity to get an education and be equipped with skills for the workforce.
Thank you to all my coworkers over the years at “The Bison,” you made me a better journalist through all your efforts and taught me how to be a part of a newspaper team.
And my biggest thank you of all goes to Holly Easttom. Holly, everything I know about the fundamentals and ethics of journalism is because of you.
You helped mold my journalistic style from the beginning and pushed me out of my comfort zone to grow as a writer.
But while you pushed me to grow, you always encouraged me to write about what I was passionate about and to develop my own personal style.
You saw me as a credible journalist before anyone and respected me from the start, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Any success in my journalism career will always be traced back to you.
Thank you so much for everything Holly.
Finally, thank you to the student paper itself.
As I write these final words and reminisce on all the time, energy and effort put into countless publications, I can proudly say it was all worth it.
Yes, even making student worker pay for three and a half straight years.
I’ll miss writing for “The Bison” and I’m forever grateful for everything it taught me.
However far I go as a journalist, I’ll never forget where it all started.
Note from the Advisor: Jentezen Smith has been a valuable and integral part of student publications for four years; his amazing talent, professionalism, and joy will be sorely missed. Bison Hill is cheering you on!!
