Arnold Profile

By Lisa G

Justin Arnold  says he knows the true purpose of journalism: to seek and find the truth.

“If (someone) wanted to become a good journalist, I would tell them one thing: Look for the truth,” Arnold said.

Arnold said that in writing political or crime stories, finding the truth equals finding what really happened, the facts.

“Talk to everyone you can in a given situation on both sides of the issue, and I’m sure that will lead to a conclusion that’s truthful,” he said.

Arnold, 21, a second-semester junior at UW-Eau Claire, has seen many sides of journalism. One of his favorite topics to write on is sports.

“I was the sports editor for The Spectator

 (UW-Eau Claire’s student newspaper) for about two weeks but had to quit due to time restraints,” he said. “I also work for the Chippewa Herald in the sports department, but am going to quit that too. Most of the time, I work with kids as a mentor, and get paid for it.”

Time has played a major role in Arnold’s evaluation of his chosen career. He says journalism is not a career for everyone.

“If I was talking to someone who wanted to be a sports writer, I’d tell them that they better not be married,” said Arnold, who is married. “The hours make it very tough to have a home life.”

The importance of family life to Arnold, who grew up in Sparta, Wis., shows in his description of his long-term goals. He said he wants to be a good husband and a good father to his children, if he ever has any. He also wants to become a better writer.

A print journalism major with a sociology minor, Arnold is contemplating using his journalism skills as a writer for a Christian publication. He is also considering becoming a minister. He also has another job on his mind, but it is one he may not actively pursue.

“My dream career has nothing to do with journalism,” he said. “I would like to be a recording artist, but I just figure it’s out of reach. I’ve always loved to sing.”

When Arnold is not writing, he loves listening to music - especially Motown - playing basketball and golf and reading.

“I also love learning about the history of sports, too, especially baseball and basketball,” he said.

For his semester-long Public Affairs Reporting project, Justin has chosen to cover the Chippewa Falls Police Department.