Last spring, a group of FRCC journalism students set out to document Colorado’s proposed Front Range Passenger Rail system.
What started as a class project turned into a three-part docuseries that took them 180 miles across the state and pulled in more views than The Front Page’s YouTube channel had ever seen. The Front Page is FRCC’s student-run newspaper.
It also gave the team real-world reporting experience and a stronger sense of what they want to do next.
The Class That Started It All
“All of us on this team were taking a journalism class together—Intro to Mass Media taught by John Young at FRCC’s Larimer campus,” says FRCC student Morgan Treat. “I think I can confidently say that what we all learned about journalism from that class, we will take with us our whole lives, because it taught us not only how to write like a journalist, but how to navigate news as a consumer.”
“It also gave all of us a desire to participate in the act of reporting. This docuseries is just the result of what we learned there.”
On the Ground, In the Field
Morgan, who is completing her Associate of Applied Science degree in Web Design, was one of the original visionaries behind the project. For many on the team, it was their first time filming or conducting interviews. Despite that, they chose to cover the story documentary-style, riding public buses that follow the proposed rail route and talking to the people most affected.
One of the most challenging parts of the production was coordinating the group trip to Pueblo, Morgan recalls.
“It was actually pretty hard for all of us to find time in our busy summers last year to coordinate a date to take our trip to Pueblo. Other than that, Jacob [Brown] did the majority of the editing, so I think it was pretty challenging for him!”
Jacob is another student who worked on the docuseries.
Helping Find Their Path
For fellow FRCC student Catherine Schadegg, the project had personal impact. She started at FRCC in the college’s natural resources program but changed her path after taking mass media and writing electives.
“I later switched over to journalism after I transferred to CSU, with a specific concentration in science communication,” she says. “It combined both my passion for science and the environment—still enabling me to take upper division natural resources classes as electives—but also allowing me to write and continue in my newfound enjoyment of journalism.”
Unlocking New Opportunities
Catherine adds, “I’ve found often that when it comes to conservation issues, though field work is important in data collection, scientists often find it harder communicating these findings and showing people why these issues matter.”
“A good science communicator can both understand the science and what it takes to take these findings and communicate them to people outside of the scientific community.”
Catherine now writes for the science desk at The Collegian at Colorado State University.
“I don’t know if this project specifically opened this new door, but my prior journalism experience did help with getting in as a staff writer for the CSU Collegian, specifically the science desk,” she says.
Challenges on the Road
The team faced a few tough moments on the road, especially with some of the bus stops.
“Sometimes it’s hard to go up to someone and start that conversation by asking questions,” Catherine said. “But some people have incredible stories to tell. Another challenge was simply riding the bus as long as we did… basically taking it from northern to southern Colorado in a day and back
“At times it was tiring, and there were some stops in some sketchy places where it was uncomfortable waiting for the next bus. However it was an eye-opening experience for sure.”
Beyond the Storytelling
That experience helped shape how she approaches journalism.
“This docuseries showed me how journalism is dynamic. Storytelling is very cool but includes talking to people and, even as a journalist, experiencing new things yourself,” she notes.
A Measure of Success
The documentary premiered in April to a crowd of about 50 people on campus.
“Following the docuseries we had more social media (YouTube) views than The Front Page YouTube account had ever had before,” Catherine says. “We ended up having a film viewing at FRCC one night and it was awesome seeing some of my writing instructors and receiving positive feedback on the series. I also believe it sparked new interest for people joining the school newspaper.”
The students are hoping for more screenings.
“We’re hoping a version will be shown at an FRCC event that showcases student films in September,” Morgan says.
Catherine added that there may be a showing at Holiday Twin Drive-In in Fort Collins.
Maintaining Momentum
As far as what’s next, the group hopes future students will build on the project.
“We definitely hope to keep our momentum, and encourage any students to join The Front Page so that we can continue to do projects like this.” Morgan says.
Catherine agrees: “Future FRCC students should absolutely build on this or start projects of their own. There is so much that can be explored and there are so many fascinating stories to tell. You never know which seemingly small idea could be the next discovery of something amazing.”
It ‘Helped Me Know How to Be a Journalist’
Ultimately, working on the student newspaper helped prepare them for their future.
“The Front Page really helped me know how to be a journalist before this project and… prepared me to speak with people outside of our school environment,” Catherine says. “It even enabled us to meet the governor.”
Looking back, both students say they feel more confident and curious because of the experience.
“I do feel more confident in what I tackle now,” Catherine says. “The project showed me that sometimes you have to go for it and try new things, which is something I’ve carried into my work today.”
Interested in seeing the documentary? Start here with part 1.
