Jen Cooper - Fall 2001

Jen Cooper is a senior majoring in journalism and political science at Chico State University in Northern California.
She comes to Washington, D.C., after a summer internship at the Appeal-Democrat in Marysville, Calif., and a yearlong stint at Chico State’s student newspaper, The Orion, where she worked as a news reporter and chief copy editor.

Having grown up in small towns where two-lane roads are the norm, a semester in the city promises new opportunities, challenges and experiences (starting with mastering the metro system).

Jen started working for her school newspaper in high school, but never expected to develop a career or a passion from her high school hobby. It only took one college journalism class, however, for her to know she wanted to be a reporter.
She was hooked on the thrill that comes from a news tip, the frustration of tracking down sources, the demand for accuracy, the reward from reaching out to a community and the inherent sense of accomplishment that comes from telling a story right.

In a business sometimes characterized by impersonal contacts and desensitization, Jen’s favorite part of her job is making connections with people, listening to their stories and earning the trust of sources. After graduating in May 2003, Jen hopes to work as a beat reporter for a daily paper.

In her spare time, Jen likes to read historical fiction novels, ride a bicycle, baby-sit and volunteer with nonprofit organizations and churches.

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