The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Shaina D. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Tactics - Shadow a Local Leader
I am currently considering studying communications, so I chose to shadow an editor. I scheduled a meeting, and interview with Mike Wendland, the Communications Pastor and Executive Editor of The Woodside Bible News. Mr. Wendland is a journalist by profession, specializing in investigative and technology reporting. He has worked for The Detroit News, WDIV-TV4, NBC-TV and The Detroit Free Press. After reading Roaring Lambs, I found his bio very engaging. Like the author recommends, Mr. Wendland has spent the majority of his career in the secular world.
When I arrived, I was greeted by Ann Mulvenna, a staff editor. She was very gracious, and eager to show me around the office. Mrs. Mulvenna also provided a brief overview of the communications office's responsibilities. These tasks include: website updates and maintenance, television broadcasting, and newspaper production. I was then introduced to other members of the staff, and his or her job was explained. This was a good time to shadow because the newspaper is released once a month. The communications team was busy preparing for the September issue.
Mrs. Mulvenna and I then spent time getting to know one another. We talked about her family, and how she became an editor. She is currently a host for a community cable channel as well. We discussed how she attained that position, and the aspects of working in public television. We went on to chat about SSI and the Ambassador League. Because she has two teenage children, she was interested in the programs. Mrs. Mulvenna then demonstrated how to proofread, and allowed me to participate in the process. She explained that all articles needed to be formatted according to the Associated Press (AP) standard.
I then met and spent time with Mr. Wendland, who explained his duties as the Executive Editor. We also discussed the various positions that he had held prior to becoming the Communications Pastor. He was interested in my background, and upon learning of my interest in communications, offered me a volunteer position in the office. I was very excited about the opportunity, and plan to pursue it after I complete my year in the Ambassador League. I am glad that I chose to shadow an editor. I really enjoyed the experience.
