Teressa Rerras said she was intimidated as she walked into the Warren County courthouse Tuesday to interview citizens for broadcast for WKCT-AM.

Rerras, a senior from Norfolk, Va., said the courthouse’s atmosphere was charged with electricity and anticipation as candidates and citizens waited for the results of Tuesday’s election.

“It was exciting because I had never really done anything like that before,” she said. “The exciting part is you get to have front row seats at an exciting event that’s taking place.”

Journalism Optional Retiree James Highland offered extra credit to students in his public affairs reporting classes who went to polling precincts and election area hotspots to interview people for broadcast.

Rerras said the experience taught her how to stay calm and focused in situations like this.

“These are real people trying to make a difference with the community,” she said. “I was more relaxed once I started talking with the people so I could really focus on what I was doing.”

Julie Gunn, a senior from Rowlett, Texas, said she was tired so she wasn’t very enthusiastic at first.

“It became fun because I progressively became interested in what people had to say,” she said.

She said the experience gave her a chance to improve her interviewing skills.

Rerras said many of the people she talked to didn’t care for the mudslinging tactics the candidates used in the last few weeks.

Gunn was surprised at some of the reactions she received.

“A lot of people said their vote didn’t count, which I think is a little ridiculous,” she said. “I still have a sense of faith in the government system.”

WKCT-AM broadcasted live phone interviews, student reports or tape recordings that students dropped off at the station.

Highland, who said he has done this sporadically for about 15 years, said the experience gives students a unique learning opportunity.

“I want to give people a little taste of democracy,” he said. “Being someplace like the Hadley General Store really gives a sense of how an election runs.”

The store was one of seven locations the students could go.

Highland said it gives students real world journalism experience.

“That’s one of the neat things about being a reporter,” Highland said. “Ask questions with a notepad and people answer you, or they give you a rude gesture and you walk away.”

Highland provided election analysis from the Democratic perspective while History Professor Jack Thacker analyzed national trends and the Republican party.

“The students provided the color,” Highland said.

Highland said that the voting machine problems and the surprising results this year made this experience all the more unique and educational.

“You got a chance to see that and see what can happen,” he said.

Reach Greg Capillo at news@wkuherald.com.