Krystin Arneson talks on the phone with a source.

Leah Kennedy, of Dayton, Nev., decided to take a “shot in the dark” when she was looking for sources for her trend story and needed a key interview to bring her story together.

Kennedy was looking for a person who was recovering from an eating disorder. She contacted the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, a nonprofit organization that helps with treatments relating to eating disorders. Kennedy ended up meeting with a woman in person and having an in-depth conversation.

“She was really enthusiastic,” Kennedy said. “We talked for two-and-a-half hours.”

Journalism cherubs at the National High School Institute at Northwestern University learned to find sources for their stories, get contact information and be persistent enough to get a response. The cherubs got plenty of practice, with three to six interviews required per story.

Some sources, like Kennedy’s, shared their personal experiences with cherubs. Krystin Arneson, from Overland Park, Kan., talked with a high school senior who had abused prescription drugs.

The topic was emotional, and the interview lasted more than an hour.

“It wasn’t awkward at all, really conversational,” Arneson said. “She knew that she was going to be used as an anonymous source, so she had that shield.”

Matt Wong, of San Diego, Calif., said he was lucky to reach Evanston Mayor Lorraine Morton by phone for his story about the increase in environment awareness.

“Everyone was trying to get to her,” Wong said. “It was kind of luck of the draw when she picked up.” 

Wong ended up talking with Morton for 10 minutes. He was also able to contact Michelle Hernandez, a noted figure in the college counseling world.

“I caught her by phone, and she said she was really busy, but we talked for five minutes,” Wong said.

When reaching sources, Wong said persistence pays.

“When you’re trying to get ahold of these people, constant calling and emailing can work.” Wong said. “You might get lucky.”