Michael Schnitzel, Hofstra

by Jacklyn Porr

Mike Schnitzel, a Massapequa High School graduate and journalism student at Hofstra University completed an internship in August at the Massapequa Post newspaper. He is entering his senior year at Hofstra this fall and said that the knowledge and experience he has gained during the internship helped to put into focus what he learned in the classroom.

At one point during the internship, Michael was assigned to cover a fire on Bailey Drive, Massapequa. That fire took the life of a local resident. It was challenging to cover because of the nature of the story, and it was interesting because it was a real-life event, said Michael.

"There was a lot more to the story than we thought and it took us almost an entire day to complete it and get it to the editor by deadline," said Michael.

A print journalism major, with a minor in political science, the internship at the Post was recommended to Mike by another Hofstra student who completed an internship at the paper last year. Mike said he decided to pursue it based on that student’s recommendation, his interest and the paper’s proximity to his home.

Mike said that his expectations of the internship were met and that he believes his writing and interviewing skills improved and were strengthened.

"I also learned that I like it when the boss pays for lunch," he said laughing. "But most of all I liked working on a cover story."

In his spare time, Mike likes to make movies and write and perform comedy sketches. He also enjoys billiards. Once he graduates, he said he would like to work at a newspaper, covering politics.