By Kristen Shepard
Staff Writer
Yesterday afternoon the EMAC academy sophomores got a break from their tireless hours of work to enjoy a Question and Answer session with award-winning journalist Katie Couric. At the end of sixth period, the sophomores loaded into carpool groups and headed to Southern Methodist University, where they anxiously awaited hearing from Couric.
Couric, who is currently a leading anchor for ABC, provided both personal and professional insight into her success during the seminar. Several schools from around the area were invited to attend the session, including Hockaday, Richardson and Jesuit. Also invited were SMU teachers, students and faculty.
Couric answered the questions with ease, telling stories of her most difficult reporting duties and even her personal struggles. From her experiences with 9/11 coverage to the reporting she did for the Columbine school shootings, Couric told heartwarming stories of the struggles of national journalism, inspiring the several hundred in attendance.
Other than her career work, Couric’s current activity spreading cancer awareness allows her to touch many of the attendees and inspire dozens to take action. Couric, who lost her husband to pancreatic cancer, co-founded Just Stand Up. With the help of other journalists and celebrities, Just Stand Up has raised $180 million for cancer research through events and telethons.
Couric’s inspiring and insightful addition to the SMU Tate lecture series was unforgettable and surely one that will make a lasting impact on aspiring journalists.
