Speak Out
Erin Colgan
Outstanding Electronic Journalism Senior
for Leadership

While at USC, Erin was the recipient of two prestigious scholarships: the nationally competitive John Hogan Undergraduate Scholarship and the SHAFTO Scholarship from WIS-TV.

In addition, she was awarded the key to Columbia by Mayor Bob Coble for her campaign to prevent teen tobacco use in South Carolina.

Dr. Sonya Duhe' on what makes Erin stand out in broadcast journalism:

Erin has not been afraid to tackle any news story. From covering gangs to sexual abuse, she has pushed the envelope in covering topics important in our community.

In addition to her tremendous reporting skills, she has truly been a leader among her colleagues in the classroom – not only does she try to make her stories happen, but she pitches in to help others make their stories happen.

Erin Speaks Out:

Why did you choose USC?

I chose USC after attending the Southern Interscholastic Press Association’s convention when I was a senior in high school. I knew that I wanted to attend a good journalism school and after a weekend at the conference I was convinced that USC would be a good learning environment for me. Plus, SIPA awarded me a scholarship that weekend, so that helped!

Why broadcast journalism?

I have been involved in journalism since I was in 6th grade. I was the newspaper editor for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade newspaper, as well as editor and photographer for my high school paper. I guess you could say I was a journalism junkie. I knew that I loved writing and telling stories. I chose broadcast journalism as my major after doing a mock newscast with a class one day, when I realized that I loved telling stories visually.

Favorite/most beneficial class?

I think the class that has been the best experience for me has been senior semester. It has been an amazing hands on experience that I think has really prepared me to feel ready to take a job in this field.

(Watch Erin's news package Lake Murray Boulevard>>)
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What will you miss most about college?

I will certainly miss the people and professors that I have become friends with along the way. My four years here has certainly gone by faster than I ever thought that it would, and changing into the real world will probably make me want to come back!

And you won't miss?

I certainly won’t miss writing papers, pulling all-nighters studying, and I really won’t miss math!

What are you really passionate about?

There are lots of things that I would say I am passionate about, but first and foremost I am passionate about God. My relationship with Jesus as my Savior has enabled me to accomplish and be all that I am today.

Has there been a "defining moment" or significant event  in your college experience?

A very significant college experience for me was moving to Missoula, Montana for a semester on the National Student Exchange. It was an overwhelming move across the country but an experience that really stretched me as a person and as a reporter. I learned a lot about the West and had the opportunity to do an in-depth special on the medicine of the Blackfoot Indian Tribe. It was incredible.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I hope to get a job as a reporter at a television station, and perhaps one day work my way up to an anchor position. I would also like to continue my volunteer work in preventing teen tobacco use in whatever state I am living in.

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for other students in your major?

My best advice is really just to hang in there! There are days when you will question your work, and question your abilities as a reporter. But if you have a passion for the profession, stick with it.

Any parting words or something you'd like to say to your SJMC family, or anyone else, before you head out the door?

I would like to say thank you to my professors who encouraged me and pressed me to become a better journalist. To my fellow classmates, thanks for making everyday so entertaining, and for all of the laughs along the way. And to all of the underclassmen…I promise it gets better!

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