Office of Admissions, WWU

Zack Hale

• Hometown: Seattle, WA
• Majors: Visual Journalism, Political Science
• Previous Colleges:
  Washington State University, 2004-2006;
  Whatcom Community College, 2007

Why Western?

My college experience has been anything but traditional. I spent my freshman and sophomore years at Washington State University. After a while, I decided a change of scenery was in my best interest. I realized that a more intimate college experience is what I needed, and something Western could offer. By this time I had also become aware that my heart is happiest in western Washington, where there is an abundance of greenery, mountains, and a coastline.

As an aspiring journalist, I was also very impressed with the degree of excellence Western’s journalism department has attained. Student publications like The Western Front and Klipsun have won numerous awards, and they seemed like rewarding enterprises to be a part of.

Influential Professor

One of the first courses I took at Western was with Brad Howard, who taught History of Mass Media very early in the morning. In addition to being a riveting lecturer who kept me wide-awake, Brad was highly accessible outside of the classroom—something I took full advantage of. I think spending time with him early on in my Western experience was crucial because he inspired me to think big and “shoot for the stars,” whether it be for a highly coveted internship, job, etc. Brad inspired me to become a more ambitious student and person, which has already begun to pay dividends in my life.

In the Right Place

My first quarter on The Western Front was an extremely positive one. Reporting on and writing stories that got published was very rewarding, and seeing my name in print reaffirmed everything in me that wanted to be a journalist. Also, being surrounded by other like-minded students was an incredibly healthy atmosphere to be in, and brought out the best in others and myself.

A Proud Moment

So far, my favorite memory at Western was when I received the “News Reporter of the Quarter” and “Rookie of the Quarter” awards after my first quarter on The Western Front. It felt great to have all the hard work I had put in over the quarter recognized by my peers, and ultimately helped land me an editorship for the following quarter. As I was receiving the awards I couldn’t help but reflect on how far I had come on what has been an untraditional, and at times tumultuous educational experience.

Outside the Classroom

I’m a very active person. I love to exercise and explore the great outdoors. I also enjoy photography, standup comedy, politics, books, movies, and lots of other mentally and/or visually stimulating activities. I’m also an admitted sports fanatic; I follow baseball, basketball, and football religiously and try to play ball as often as I can.

Life in Bellingham

My favorite thing about Bellingham is the healthy lifestyle it seems to breed in people. After moving here I noticed myself eating healthier, bought a bike and began riding it everywhere (Bellingham has a great bike culture), and stimulating my mind more than I had been previously.

I think the city successfully treads a fine line between being a community-centered small town and city with a lively urban vibe. I love the abundance of things to do in the day and at night, the great places to eat, and the surrounding natural beauty this area is blessed with. I also like how after a few quarters at Western you bump into someone you either know or recognize almost everywhere you go.

After Western

As a journalism student, I’m naturally experiencing a bit of trepidation at the prospect of trying to find work in an industry that is constantly shedding jobs as it undergoes a rapid and dramatic transformation. Luckily, I am part of an excellent department with great professors who are preparing me with the new skills and tools necessary to make it in such a highly competitive field.

Today, a great way to find a good job right out of college is to master the technology that is dictating the direction of the industry. This is something the faculty in the department has really hammered home and is what I’m currently focused on. I’m excited to be part of a new generation of journalists that will change the way people digest news forever, and will work hard to ensure that the changes brought about are for the best.