BUCKING THE SYSTEM: YOUNG WRITERS HELP TAMARA GET HER GROOVE BACK

I got my journalistic groove back this week, thanks to the help of a group of aspiring writers who are considering journalism as a career option.

Losing my groove hasn't been a recent happenstance or even a quick one. Rather, the loss has been something that has occurred over time and without my even recognizing it.

Looking back, the loss could be seen only in the sighs that accompanied any mention of the learning briefs, school finance analysis, or back-to-school stories that are the backbone of my reporting responsibilities.

I was getting bored.

But a week-long visit to Eastern Illinois University reminded me why I got in this business in the first place. While working with a handful of other journalists as a writing coach, editor, cheerleader and general hand-holder for 18 teen-agers, I regained the ambition and desire to tell the story -- any story that I had just five years ago when I began my professional career.

I also regained that do-gooder instinct that lurks in the heart of most journalists who see the words "serve the community" permanently etched in their job description.

I'm sure they didn't realize they were helping me. How could they, when we spent 12 hours a day using lectures and hands-on study to teach them how to identify news, collect information and report stories?

The only thing those kids really wanted to know about me was my name to keep them from yelling "Hey you!" every time they needed help.

The great thing about "my kids" -- that's how I regarded them after just one day -- was they were so different that they each reminded me of a different aspect of why I like my job.

For instance, Tracy, Jane, Amberly, Darricka and Melissa were capable but shy (and sometimes unsure) individuals who reminded me that explanations should accompany editing, and soft-spoken questions are sometimes the most difficult to answer.

Imran, Melvin and Detra possessed the questioning eyes and social consciousness that I know can dog a politician and make a government employee duck a reporter's calls.

David, Andrea, Bri and Elisa were the go-getters in the group. In them, I saw the drive that makes working long hours for iffy pay worthwhile. They also reminded me that perfection is something we never achieve but should always strive for.

Kelli, Candice and Erica reminded me that being young is fun, and it's all right to sometimes let that spirit bubble over into your writing.

Andrew, Lisa and Alex were great observers and fast writers who reminded me how important it is to follow your instincts.

Each had a different skill level, personality and desire to be at the workshop that was telling whenever I peered over their shoulders to read their work. They all have the potential to be great writers.

I remember when a professional writer spoke favorably about my potential for great writing five years ago. Rather than getting a big head, and I worked hard to follow in that person's path because I respected his opinion and his work.

Five years later, it's understandable that the path might have become worn down from much use. I just never expected my new groove to be blazed by such young writers.

Who knows where this path will lead?

Tamara Zellars Buck is a staff writer for the Southeast Missourian.