Last week, Kent School students participating in the Kent News afternoon activity attended the 84th Annual Fall Conference hosted by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) at Columbia University. With a lineup of fantastic speakers, the conference provided students with a unique opportunity to deepen their journalistic skills and explore new storytelling techniques. Students selected different workshops based on their interests, ranging from food writing and sensory-driven storytelling to photojournalism.
Exploring the Art of Food Writing: In Food Writing 101, Lauren Mack, a journalist with extensive experience in food and travel writing, introduced students to the art of crafting a compelling food review. Mack emphasized the importance of vivid descriptions and using the five senses to draw readers in. “A good food review isn’t just about taste—it’s about setting the scene, recreating the experience for readers,” Mack explained. She encouraged students to go beyond mere adjectives, suggesting that they interview staff, gather background details, and understand the ambiance to produce an honest, well-rounded story.
Bringing Stories to Life Through the Five Senses: In See, Hear, Smell, Taste, Touch: The Five Senses in Writing, poet Erica Miriam Fabri guided students through exercises that used sensory language to enrich storytelling. “The senses are the colors you paint with in writing,” Fabri said, challenging students to create vivid imagery in their work. Through hands-on writing activities, students learned how to evoke emotions and make their stories resonate. “This workshop taught us to think beyond words and tap into readers’ senses,” Veronica reflected.
The Power of Photojournalism: Students interested in visual media attended Photojournalism: An Eyewitness to History, led by David Neil Berkwitz, a renowned photojournalist. Berkwitz shared his experiences capturing iconic moments, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to 9/11, illustrating how photography can bear witness to history. “Photography is more than images; it’s about capturing authentic stories,” Berkwitz shared. He emphasized the importance of light, perspective, and patience, urging students to approach their subjects with sensitivity.
Telling Stories Through Visual Imagery: In the Visual Storytelling session, students explored the ways professional storytellers use images to connect with audiences emotionally. This workshop focused on how a central character or compelling image can anchor a story, with professionals demonstrating how these elements transform ordinary stories into memorable experiences. The session gave Kent students a deeper understanding of how visuals can enhance narrative storytelling.
Attending the CSPA conference at Columbia University was a great opportunity for Kent News students, sparking new ideas and enhancing their storytelling skills. Each workshop offered practical insights, from using sensory details in writing to capturing powerful images. The students returned to Kent inspired, eager to apply what they learned to their work on Kent News and bring fresh perspectives to their writing.