ATHENS, Ohio (April 13, 2009)—First-year broadcast journalism student Taylor Mirfendereski is a 2008-2009 campus correspondent for CNNU and has produced two pieces that have appeared on CNN.com this academic year.

“It’s very rewarding to see my hard work and stories on CNN.com,” said Mirfendereski.
“CNNU is a great opportunity for me to gain professional experience.”

Originally from Columbus, Mirfendereski is an Honors Tutorial student. She hopes this early broadcasting exposure will help her in the long run. Mirfendereski works with a faculty advisor and CNN throughout the story process.

“Taylor is one of my finest students,” said Dr. Yusuf Kalyango, her faculty advisor. “She works hard with diligence and excellence. I have profound admiration for her energy, persistence and thoroughness to produce in-depth news stories. She does a superb job, and I’m proud of her.”

After a story she has pitched to CNN is accepted, Mirfendereski conducts interviews, and writes scripts. She then sends her script to CNN before editing the package. After final approval of the piece, the story appears on the CNNU portion of the CNN Web site.

CNNU is an opportunity for college students to report about news and trends that are happening and affecting colleges around the country. Students, who work with CNN at every step of their story process, have the opportunity to hear professional feedback.

“Working with professionals allows me to know what’s good and what’s bad about my story package,” said Mirfendereski. “I value that learning experience.”

During Winter Quarter Mirfendereski produced a story on how drug and alcohol usage affects the college demographic. In the fall, Mirfendereski shot a piece on the Honors Tutorial College and how it’s the only program of its kind in the United States.

To view Mirfendereski’s most recent piece, visit http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2009/03/23/cnnu.campus.drug.usage.cnn?iref=videosearch.