San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg visited SAC Thursday evening to support the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists’ (SAAHJ) Teen Team mentorship program, which holds its monthly meetings at SAC’s Jean Longwith Radio, Television and Film building.
The association’s Teen Team mentorship program develops the next generation of journalists by matching San Antonio-area juniors and seniors with professional journalists, and the students learn new skills and get hands-on mentorship at the monthly meetings, which are supported by SAC’s journalism program.
Nirenberg sat for a private press conference, answering students’ questions for more than an hour while the students practiced and developed their interviewing skills.
“It’s a great honor to do it,” Nirenberg told the Sundial. “The students are incredibly sharp, and I said what I meant in there about the concerns about our democracy. This is probably one of the most important functions that will keep it alive, so I will do what I can to help these journalists, and I hope they continue to pursue the field.”
Elizabeth Chalmer, an aspiring journalist from Tom C. Clark High School, said the event provided valuable training and experience for the students.
“Being able to hear from him directly, especially since he is somebody I look up to, was actually surreal. Also, to be able to interview him, which I want to do in the future, is absolutely fantastic,” Chalmer told the Sundial.
Those interested in learning more about the SAAHJ Teen Team program can visit the SAAHJ website.
