Newark Day Five - Guests and hard work ahead

Today was the last day that we had guests scheduled to visit us. They were introduced by an alumni of two Write on Sports camps who was visiting for the day. We talked about his choices for college, for potential careers, and various sports issues (One question he posed: Is T.O. a first ballot hall of famer?)

We were joined by Bill Ard, former left guard for the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers

and Stephen Baker, former wide receiver for the New York Giants. This is the second year Stephen Baker has visited the camp.




Both players talked about how much playing for the Giants meant to them, and their love of football more generally.

As usual, students first engaged in a general question and answer session.












Students were interested in the players' careers before football, what it felt like to play, and what they have been doing since their careers ended.

After this, students moved into Locker Room mode.  The wrinkle today was that students were working with the flip cameras.

 

Students had to manage being respectful while still getting their questions out. At one point Bill Ard looked at a student who had been sheepishly trying to catch his attention and noted, "You gotta go for it!"

Students spent the rest of the day revising their choice of spot stories, and then planning for their print and video features. 

Here is a student is thinking it through

and then getting it down on paper. 

One week completed, and four drafts done. The challenge next week will be revising and reworking these pieces into publishable stories. There will be times when this work will be challenging, and I'm sure there will be times when frustration is in the air, but in the end I'm sure the students will be happier with their finished products. Even when you enjoy writing, it can be hard work.