Mike Crupi/THE POST Helen Thomas, right, talks to Mary Elizabeth Lasher Myers before signing her copy of "Front Row at the White House," a book Thomas recently wrote. Thomas, who was the first woman journalist to be named White House bureau chief, signed books after speaking at the Forum Theater Friday morning.

White House Correspondent Helen Thomas began working at a time when women didn't have their own careers. But she didn't let that stand in her way.

Thomas spoke at Ohio University Friday as part of Political Communication Day.

Journalism professor Dru Riley Evarts began the event with a summary of Thomas' accomplishments, introducing her as a "pioneer that all of us admire."

Thomas broke into journalism in 1943 when she joined United Press International. She began covering the White House in 1960 and was the first woman White House bureau chief.

While good journalism still is held in high esteem, the emergence of electronic media has thrown people for a loop, she said.

"Everyone with a laptop thinks they're a journalist," she said.

She talked about current problems in the news, including the school shootings in Littleton, Colo., and the crisis in Kosovo. Thomas said the White House is more visible now in informing the public of what "our side" is doing. But she said these events have made Americans "take a long look at (themselves)" and whether they have lost their way.

Thomas also discussed the role of the presidency, an area with which she is quite familiar. She has covered every president from Kennedy through Clinton.

"I've always thought of the Oval Office as hallowed ground," Thomas said. She considers it such a powerful position because presidents have the trust of the public. But there is no such thing as an "instant president" - everyone learns as they go, she said.

She views presidential press conferences as important as well because they are "the only forum where we can question the president."

While many presidents have been less than eager to deal with the media, Thomas sees her role as necessary.

"We (the press) are self-appointed watchdogs of democracy," she said.

Throughout her speech, Thomas made reference to various opportunities she has had in her career. She recalled a conversation with Kennedy on Air Force One, a dinner at the Lyndon B. Johnson ranch and a Moscow summit with Ronald Reagan.

Her most memorable trip, however, was the one she took with President Nixon to China in 1972.

Frank Fee, Knight professor of editing, said the talk benefited both students and professionals alike.

"I think journalism needs to hear its top people talking about vital concerns," he said.

Freshman Cindy Roeller said she was glad she heard Thomas speak.

"I saw it as an excellent opportunity to learn from someone who's had such amazing experiences in the field," she said.