HYPU Summer Experience

Rhasan, Shantel & Chantal

This was our first time attending the HYPU programme and the Working in Journalism course, we were lucky to be taught by an expert online journalist, met people working in the journalism industry, ranging from online broadcast journalists, newspaper editors from the BBC and The Voice. They taught us about all types of journalism and what it has in store for us such as online news, magazines, newspapers and TV. It was really interesting for us because we all have a strong interest in media and enjoyed being able to test out journalism first hand and the course was free of charge.

We were also given the chance to talk to a past student from the same course that has grown to be successful in the Journalism industry, which showed us that HYPU can make talent turn into success. Our favourite part of the course was visiting the Voice, where we met Rodney Hinds, the Sports & Features editor. He gave us a tour around the building, introduced us to the team and showed us them at work. We gained lots of knowledge from this and he gave us a lot of advice and encouragement about not only journalism but about our future ambitions and what we must do to achieve whatever we want in life. Hearing that from a Hackney guy was really inspiring.

HYPU wasn’t just about doing a course. It was an energetic and safe atmosphere, the volunteers were all friendly and the people there were great to be with. It was fun, work, and play.

Patience.E.A.Emarienah

Before taking part in the ‘Working in Journalism’ course, I have always wanted to broaden my knowledge in journalism but didn’t know where or how to. This was until I found out about Hackney’s Young People Uni, when I found out about this programme, I quickly signed up, and because I thought it was going to be a worthwhile experience even though it was only for a week.

Over the few days I attended the course, I learnt that Journalism is not just about writing reporting events, you can write about anything you are passionate about from music to fashion. I also learned that being a journalist isn’t a routine job and everyday something exciting and challenging comes along and you’ll never know where it will lead you as a person. This course has made me realise that journalism is a really big part of media and an exciting career choice.

I think that people should attend this programme because not only is there a range of different courses to take part in, it is a lot of fun, it improves your social life and for some people, it could be a life changing experience. All you have to do is just take part in a course of your choice.