Overlooked In Appalachia Editor attends World Journalism Institute

Overlooked In Appalachia’s very own, Claire Perkins, spent two weeks this summer at the World Journalism Institute, an intensive program hosted at Dordt University.  

The program, run by World magazine, drew 32 students from across the country, with an acceptance rate of about 30% this year. During the first week, students rotated quickly through assignments in news, features, broadcast and podcast journalism — often turning in projects by late evening. 

Contributed/Naomi Balk Watters

“It was the worst writing I’ve ever done and the most I’ve ever learned at the same time,” Perkins said. 

In the second week, participants were divided into specialty tracks. Perkins was placed in features, working with another student to produce a long-form profile of a mural painter. Their story is slated for publication in World magazine later this year — one of the few student projects chosen. 

Beyond the reporting experience, Perkins said the highlight was the community of young journalists and instructors.  

“It was really amazing to be around people who had the same interests, and to write a story with someone else for the first time,” she said. 

Claire Perkins

Perkins added that the program’s emphasis on journalism through a biblical worldview deepened the experience. 

“Journalists are supposed to look for the truth, and that’s also what our faith calls us to do,” she said. 

Perkins currently serves as Multimedia Editor at Overlooked In Appalachia, marking her second semester with the publication. She is set to graduate this December with a degree in Media and Communication.