Yesterday I found out that my favourite journalism teacher, June Lytel-Murphy had passed away. She was an amazing woman who taught me so much about so much.
These are among the most important things she taught me:
10. A good writer is a good reader.
9. You'll get the best answers by being a good listener.
8. Heavy earrings can do damage to your earlobes. Please be careful.
7. If you have a strong opinion about something, be sure you have the facts to back up your position.
6. No female over the age of 18 should be referred to as a "girl." She is a woman. Please change the copy accordingly.
5. Don't get fancy with the word "said." No "exclaimed" or "argued" or "shouted." If "said" is good enough for the New York Times, it's good enough for you.
4. Every person in the world has an interesting story to tell. If you think a person is boring, you're asking the wrong questions.
3. Believe in yourself.
2. If you don't stick up for yourself, no one else will.
1. An enthusiastic feminist is the only type of feminist to be. (See also No. 2)
My friend Dante said it best when he wrote, "Good teachers never leave you."
Godspeed, Juney the L. You were an amazing mentor and friend.
2 comments:
June Lytel-Murphy was my mother and I appreciate this tribute very much. You nailed the lessons she taught me, too. Thank you!
She was a pistol! I cannot say that I am following in her footsteps in that I am not a writer, but someday I would like to be a pistol. Leslie G - I hope you read this! I was also fortunate enough to have Mr. Murphy for a class or two. He was more of the still water runs DROLL variety (if memory serves).
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