Five University of Washington Journalism and Public Interest Communication students spent three intensive days inside The Seattle Times newsroom in late April, earning publication opportunities, professional recognition and career connections at the newspaper’s prestigious Best of the Northwest Symposium.
The annual symposium brings selected student journalists from across the Pacific Northwest into the newsroom for an immersive experience that includes hands-on training, mentorship from professional reporters and editors, newsroom shadowing, and a high-pressure live reporting exercise that culminates in publication opportunities and end-of-week honors.
The UW students were joined by students from University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Washington State University, University of Idaho, University of Montana, and University of Alaska.
This year, UW students didn’t just participate—they stood out.
The Times editors selected three University of Washington-reported stories for publication from the symposium’s live reporting exercises. Junior Sophia Sostrin’s story – coverage of a highway closure – published during the Symposium, and stories from senior Saraphena Wong and Evelyn Archibald will run soon.
Senior Elizah Rendorio was recognized by the Times’ managing editor for the quality and diversity of her sourcing, while senior Danny Williams built connections that will continue well beyond graduation.
For Sostrin, the experience offered a behind-the-scenes look at journalism in action. Sostrin, who is a self-admitted aerospace obsessive, was able to shadow Lauren Rosenblatt, the Times’ business reporter for aerospace, on a tour of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
“We got to go up the ramp control tower, walked out onto the ramps and tarmac, and got a behind-the-scenes look at how stories come together in spaces most people never see,” Sostrin said. “It reminded me why I wanted to do this in the first place.”
She said the mentorship was just as meaningful as the reporting.
“What stood out just as much as the experience itself, though, was the people,” she said. “Everyone I met was generous with their time, thoughtful in their advice, and genuinely encouraging.”
For Wong, the symposium offered a crash course in confidence under pressure.
“I learned so much in the span of two and a half days—in the span of three hours, honestly, during the live reporting exercise,” Wong said.
Rendorio said she felt the pressure too, but adaptability got her through the exercise successfully.
“When our original story fell through during the live-reporting exercise, my partner and I were forced to think quickly and pivot our story entirely with only an hour left of interviewing to spare,” Rendorio said. “It was important that we remained calm and considered all of our viable options.”
Wong said the pressure of working alongside professional journalists pushed her beyond what classroom experiences can replicate.
“Getting to work so closely with such incredible journalists taught me invaluable lessons that are just not replicable in a classroom environment,” Wong said. “Most importantly, I also learned to trust myself and my skills.”
Williams, who focused on sports journalism during the symposium, said the mentorship and access to professional sports communications made a lasting impression. Williams credited sports reporter Percy Allen as a key mentor during the experience.
“My favorite part of the trip was the mentor shadow,” Williams said. “I had the opportunity to meet the folks with the Seattle Mariners communications team and tour the entire T-Mobile Park facilities.”
But it wasn’t just about the professional connections at the symposium. Rendorio noticed the value of making connections with students across the Northwest, many of which could be her peers in a newsroom one day.
“From this experience, I not only gained a breadth of new journalistic knowledge but an entire new network of fellow reporters that I can turn to and reach out to,” she said.
For Archibald, the experience helped sharpen her sense of identity as a journalist.
“In just three days, my concept of myself as a journalist was sharpened into focus,” Archibald said. “While the pressure is on, you’re given the opportunity to prove yourself and flourish.”
She said having her reporting selected for publication provided both validation and momentum as she prepares to launch her career.
“As a senior, this was exactly what I needed to motivate me,” she said, “and connect with professionals I’m sure I’ll stay in touch with for the rest of my career.”
