SJI Quote Book

After a late night chat session with my roommate, Chaunte’l Powell, we came up with the idea that a quote book for this summer’s SJI experience was in store. We decided a list would be necessary, one with inspirational phrases and timeless adages, advice from old-timers in the business. Below is the list, which will be updated constantly with new material from new speakers. Check back often for some of the words of wisdom we’ll take away with us when we leave St. Petersburg.

The first one is not a quote, but rather a poem from William Ernest Henley, “Invictus,” which every SJI student must recite before leaving St. Petersburg. It is a model to live by and a set of words aimed to inspire.

OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance 5
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade, 10
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate: 15
I am the captain of my soul.

Below is a compilation of quotes from some of our directors and speakers:

“History goes beyond when you were born.” – Gregory Lee, senior sports editor of The Boston Globe

"Experience is a lifelong learning process." - Kenny Irby, founder of the Poynter Institute's photojournalist program

"Preparation is the foundation of writing." - Kenny Irby

"The journey is the destination." - Kenny Irby

"It takes a dream for anything to happen. If you don't dream about it, it won't happen." - Michael Anastasi, Managing Editor/Sports, Feature, Copy Desk and Photography at The Salt Lake Tribune

"My opinion is no match for your experience." - Kenny Irby


"Are you trying to save the world?" "No, just my little corner." - Kenny Irby

"Listen to your gut, but don't always trust it." - Director of the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics, DePauw University; Nelson Poynter Scholar for Journalism Values at the Poynter Institute

"I am the cream of the crop." Randy "Macho Man" Savage.