Speak Out
Jill Stephens
J. Rion McKissick Award

Dr. Ken Campbell on Jill's accomplishments:

Jill Stephens has had a lifelong ambition to be a journalist. She served as Managing Editor of The Carolina Reporter and has written for the Neighbor’s section of The State newspaper.

For the last two years she has also worked as a copy editor on the news and sports copy desks at The State.

During a study abroad summer, Jill wrote about politics and social issues for Village magazine in Dublin, Ireland.

While on The Carolina Reporter, Jill wrote an award-winning article about Columbia residents' responses to the national protest for the Jena Six in Louisiana. Read article>

Jill Speaks Out:

Why did you choose USC?

I've been a Gamecock since birth, basically. My mom, my dad and my older sister all graduated from USC. South Carolina has one of the best journalism schools in the Southeast, and they also offered me the best scholarship package. It made financial and academic sense to come here.

Why print journalism?

I've loved reading and writing ever since I picked up my first "Babysitter's Club" book in the first grade. But once I started freelancing for The State newspaper during my sophomore year at USC, I realized that I really enjoy helping people share their stories, big or small. And journalism lets me do that.

Favorite/most beneficial class?

My favorite class would have to be Jim Burns' honors seminar about Motown Records. The music is fantastic, and the history behind all of it is fascinating, too. But my most beneficial class has been Doug Fisher's copy editing class. It nearly killed me, but it's hard because it has to be. Copy editors are the last line of defense for a paper's credibility. Senior Semester was also beneficial in terms of application. You learn to do a little bit of everything in there. It really puts everything you've learned up to that point into practice; it pulls it all together.

What will you miss most about college?

Nights out with my friends, tailgating and football games in the fall and sunny days on the Horseshoe. And Santorini's, the Greek restaurant in the Russell House. I love the gyros.

And you won't miss?

The ridiculously steep hill near the Coliseum, 8 am classes, tripping over loose bricks on the Horseshoe and USC parking tickets.

What are you really passionate about?

I'm really dedicated to my friends and my family. I can't imagine my life without them. Other passions include community service and fine arts. Music, books, theater, art, movies, dance -- you name it, I want to see it / hear it / read it. And journalism is a passion as well, especially grammar and style. I'm a stickler about commas.

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

Several events have shaped my life during college. Seeing my first byline is near the top of the list, along with my first internship, on the copy desk at The State. Last summer I worked at a magazine in Dublin, Ireland. Getting the chance to work and travel in Europe was one of the best experiences of my life, hands down.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

Find a job with health insurance. More specifically, I want to work as a copy editor at a newspaper. I have a management internship this summer in Augusta, Ga., with Morris Communications. Down the road I'd like to get involved with the management side of media.

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

Challenge yourself; try something new. And get as much experience as you possibly can. Work with student publications, apply for internships, freelance for professional publications and take advantage of our fantastic faculty. They have a lot of experience in the field and a lot of contacts that can help you get your foot in the door. But most of all, enjoy yourself. It all ends much sooner than you'd think.

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

Thank you to all of the faculty for your help and encouragement. You have given me a great foundation!

Read the other Outstanding Senior comments: