UTEP Prospector's Ms. Elida Perez:

"Keeping up with the times"

From the September 30, 2008 issue, adapted and high - lighted at will.

"As newspapers around the world embrace new ways to tell stories with tools aside from traditional text and photos, it is important for at The Prospector to do the same.

"The first time I realized the power of multimedia was at The Spokesman Review in Spokane, Washington, during my first internship.

"There, they were using video, sound and graphics to enhance printed stories on their Web site.

"I was immediately intrigued and wondered why they weren't teaching these skills at UTEP.

"I also tried to take every opportunity during that summer to learn what I could before having to return to what felt like a fend - for - yourself situation."

Boy!

I hope she realizes that there are indeed certain faculty in the UTEP Department of Communications that are not going to be thrilled to read this last pointed comment, the more so as it's ♪ The Undisputed Truth ♫ as the old -- 1971 -- singing group called itself.

¡Ora, UTEP! ¡Adelante, DESTINO! ¡Ora, MEChA!

"It would be another year before The Prospector would be able to become equipped with the necessary tools to start a multimedia section on its Web site.

"I'm happy to say that although it hasn't been a fend - for - yourself situation entirely, producing multimedia has its challenges."

[T]he new first-time multimedia editor at the newspaper...


"As the new first - time multimedia editor at the newspaper, I am trying to make sure that each week, we have either a video, audio slide - show, podcast or other project on our Web site to help bring more interaction between the UTEP community and The Prospector.

"But the reality is that as student journalists, we're going to have to learn how to do it all in order to survive in a competitive job market.

"Having this new section is a way for reporters and photographers to have the opportunity to learn new skills.

"So, despite the kinks, keep checking our Web site for new projects that show a different side of the story."


Elida S. Perez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.