Who Are You?

Name: Matthew Watts, junior
E-Mail: mkivmatt@ufl.edu

Where are you from? 
Jacksonville, Fla. 


Why did you come to the University of Florida? 
The corny answer is because it's always been a dream of mine.  But, UF is the most prestigious university in Florida, and the education one receives here is priceless. 


Major?
Journalism.


Why are you taking this course (besides the fact it is required)?
I hope to achieve a more complete understanding of grammar rules in order to be a successful self-editor.  In today's competitive career atmosphere it is imperative to produce clean copy.


Outside interests, hobbies, avocations, things you love to do?
I'm a golf junkie. I also enjoy traveling. My brother and I went to Europe over the summer. I also have a passion for automobiles. Photography and design are also interests.


Tell me one interesting thing about you – something that makes you unique.
I'm older than most students in your class. I'm 25 years old. It's a long story, but my parents passed away in 2005 and my education was unfortunately put on hold because of a lengthy legal battle.  But I'm here now and couldn't be more excited for the opportunity I have and what the future may hold. 


Are you the first person in your family to attend a university?
No.


On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being top-notch, how would you rate your knowledge of grammar, punctuation and AP style?
Before the assessment on the first day, I would have said a 7 or 8.  However, I'm learning that it's probably closer to a 5 or 6.  I have work to do, certainly.


On the same scale, how would you rate your skills with working with InDesign and PhotoShop and with online media in general?
I have used PhotoShop since version 5.5 and can design a website from scratch. I ran a meager design business when I was 14-16 years old and also worked for a couple of websites as a webmaster/designer during that time. My experience with InDesign began last semester, however I picked it up quickly.  For PhotoShop, I would say 8 or 9, and for InDesign, a 6 or 7. 


What online skills do you feel you are proficient at?
I can use content management systems, design layouts and art to accompany articles, photograph and edit photographs for the web, produce SoundSlides, and I have experience editing and recording video.  There isn't much about online work that intimidates me. 


Where do you get most of your news?
I read NYTimes.com frequently, as well as tampabay.com, the website for the St. Pete Times. But I get a large majority of my news from Twitter. 


What books are you reading and have read in the last three months?
I'm reading "The Best American Sports Writing of 2010" right now.  Books I have read recently include: "Pygmy," by Chuck Palahniuk, "A Gift to My Children," by Jim Rogers and "The Power of Now," by Eckhart Tolle. 


Career Goals? Be specific as possible. Elaborate a bit.
My first ambition is to cover the NFL for a reputable outlet.  I know that's not entirely specific, but in this job climate I am not going to be picky about potential employers.  Eventually, I would like to be an editor.  I feel like I am capable of managing a section and getting the most out of a staff of writers.  I also have an interest in design and would like to have input in that regard.


What magazines, newspapers and news Web sites do you read regularly?
I read ESPN the Magazine, SportsIllustrated.com, tampabay.com and nytimes.com, but I also enjoy DiGG.com, deadspin.com, jalopnik.com and gizmodo.com.


What is your favorite Web site?
http://lss.at.ufl.edu


Do you blog?
I am applying for a position with bloguin.com to cover the Jacksonville Jaguars.


Do you have any media/communication experience? If so, what?
I currently work at the Alligator. I have been a copy editor and writer.  I cover the women's basketball team.  Also, I've worked as a production assistant for an ESPN telecast of the St. Pete Grand Prix and I worked the annual ESPNU Campus Connections project in 2010. 


Are you pursuing a media related internship or job at this time?
Just the position with bloguin. I will be looking for an internship in the fall. 


Do you have an updated resume in your files?
Yes.