One of the posts that I have been asked to make is to profile an individual with a career that I aspire to. I have chosen my newest professor, Richard Benedetto. Mr. Benedetto is a professor at the American University, School of Public Affairs (http://www.american.edu/spa/faculty/benedett.cfm). Mr. Benedetto has spent his career as a political reporter for more than 40 years. He recently retired from his position as White House correspondent for the USA Today. We are reading his book, Politicians are People, Too (http://www.amazon.com/Politicians-Are-People-Richard-Benedetto/dp/0761834222). It is a memoir of Mr. Benedetto's career as a reporter.
As a child, Mr. Benedetto was very close to his grandmother and grandfather. His grandfather immigrated to the United States from Italy and was, "a proud American with a deep and sincere love for his adopted country" (Benedetto 2006). At the age of 10, Mr. Benedetto's grandfather instilled in him a respect for all politicians who serve our country, whether you agree with them on everything or not. Mr. Benedetto has realized that he first became a reporter when he would report to his grandmother each week all about the Saturday matinee that he would see. Each week there were three movies, a serial, a cartoon, and a newsreel. Mr. Benedetto has B.A. M.A. and doctoral degrees from Syracuse University. Mr. Benedetto believes that it is important to treat everyone you meet, especially if you are pursuing a career in the political arena, fairly and with dignity. He always looked for the good in people and he believes that this is deeply needed today as well. One of the trends he often observes in the media today is a hastiness in reporting and a disrespect for our political leaders. I can see that this is true. Like Mr. Benedetto, I aspire to look for the good in people. Like him, I want to treat those I encounter in the political world with fairness and respect. With the current polarization of politics, it is a challenge for anyone who participates in our great federalist government to do so. Mr. Benedetto commands respect when he walks in the room. Listening to him speak, one feels like they are getting a truly special treat. I am truly grateful to learn from such a dignified, experienced, and professional individual and I aspire to hold to the same principals in my own career.
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Daphne ThompsonPursuing a Bachelor Degree in Public Services and Policy, Daphne is starting her senior year this fall. Archives
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