Daniel Gilbert, the recent winner of a Pulitzer Prize, visited a class of prospective journalism students April 27 in Burleson Hall. Gilbert volunteered to come to campus and share his experiences as a journalist and offer advice to the students.

He started the visit with an overview of his past and qualifications. Gilbert, only 28 years old, is early in his journalism career. He graduated from the University of Chicago with a B.A. in international studies in 2005. Gilbert was hired to cover legal affairs at the Bristol Herald Courier in 2007.

Gilbert was recently awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his investigative report on the lack of funds in the accounts of landowners on coalbed methane reserves in Southwest Va.

Furthermore, Gilbert talked about his experience investigating for his award-winning eight-part series.

“I think that as journalists we have a responsibility to identify issues that are of public interest and public concern and also to tackle issues that are hard, that don’t have easy answers and are complicated,” said Gilbert.

When Gilbert opened up the room for questions many inquired about the Pulitzer Prize, but Gilbert didn’t have much to say in regards to the award.

“I was surprised at how humble he was,” said senior Amanda Marsh.

When asked about the award Gilbert said, “I’m still trying to process it. Regardless, it [the story] had a purpose and it would have helped people without the award.”

Gilbert continued to answer questions from the group about the lifestyle of a journalist and his methods. The answers were pragmatic in tone but the message was well received by Sophomore Allie Word.

“He told all of us that it’s tough to get a job in the field, but I liked that he told us to find out what we’re good at and stick with it,” said Word.

His visit inspired students to persevere in the journalism realm.

“I gained the confidence to not be afraid to tackle in-depth stories,” said Marsh.

Gilbert also mentioned to the listeners that they should not hold themselves back because they live in a small town.

“He went to a smaller paper. So, you don’t have to go to New York to be successful,” said Word.

Overall the visit generated confidence in younger and prospective journalism graduates.

Gilbert left the class with these words, “Find what you love to do and pursue it aggressively.

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