I always read every piece of "Words for the Wise", as soon as possible after it has been posted, because I know that I will learn some new and valuable facts. In this latest piece, Michael Balter takes a novel direction by providing a moving obituary for a star student — Becca Cudmore — who had participated in his journalism course and later died tragically young from a dreadful debilitating disease. The story told is both sad and captivating. But the underlying thread is also crucial. Those who admire Balter's reports (including myself) rarely think of his parallel noble activity in training the next generation of science journalists. In Becca's case, it is heartbreaking that her clearly evident great talent and promise were nipped in the bud by disease. But Balter's expertise lives on in the many other students that he has trained and motivated. This, surely, greatly outweighs the justified disillusionment that Balter now feels regarding current science journalism. With such teachers, I feel quite confident that the next generation of science writers will strive to reach higher standards ……… and succeed.
Michael — I can understand how you feel. To lose such a gifted ex-student under tragic circumstances of the kind you describe is a major blow that will need much time to fade away. On a happier note: My very best wishes to you and your loved ones for the Festive Season! May you enjoy good health and well-deserved success with your journalistic output in 2023.
I always read every piece of "Words for the Wise", as soon as possible after it has been posted, because I know that I will learn some new and valuable facts. In this latest piece, Michael Balter takes a novel direction by providing a moving obituary for a star student — Becca Cudmore — who had participated in his journalism course and later died tragically young from a dreadful debilitating disease. The story told is both sad and captivating. But the underlying thread is also crucial. Those who admire Balter's reports (including myself) rarely think of his parallel noble activity in training the next generation of science journalists. In Becca's case, it is heartbreaking that her clearly evident great talent and promise were nipped in the bud by disease. But Balter's expertise lives on in the many other students that he has trained and motivated. This, surely, greatly outweighs the justified disillusionment that Balter now feels regarding current science journalism. With such teachers, I feel quite confident that the next generation of science writers will strive to reach higher standards ……… and succeed.
Thank you Robert. Becca was an adult, of course, but I still feel as though I have lost a child. Having a very hard time with it.
Michael — I can understand how you feel. To lose such a gifted ex-student under tragic circumstances of the kind you describe is a major blow that will need much time to fade away. On a happier note: My very best wishes to you and your loved ones for the Festive Season! May you enjoy good health and well-deserved success with your journalistic output in 2023.