When I joined news journalism two years ago, I wasn’t really sure why I did. Maybe it was for my love of writing, or maybe it was because I needed another elective, and the DMACC credit was appealing. For whatever reason, I am so thankful that I chose to add this course to my junior year schedule because I had no idea how many doors it would open.
First off, I have to say how much I’ve learned and grown compared to my first year on staff. I spent most of my time last year caring too much about what other people in the room thought of me and the work I produced. The people in the room had always been so positive and supportive of everyone, but for some reason, I didn’t feel like I was good enough. This was mentally draining, and it made it very difficult to ever feel at peace. I got so caught up in the opinions of other people, I forgot about the reason I was in this room. My love of writing (and maybe the DMACC credit) was the true reason I entered this room, and I failed to remember that as I navigated my first year. Writing was supposed to be an outlet for me, and not a place that’s supposed to make me feel stressed.
Last year, I lived in a constant state of stress, and I’m not really sure why. I didn’t have a bad experience on staff at all, but I was contemplating whether or not I wanted to join news journalism again after my first year. But I couldn’t be more glad I decided to add news to my senior year schedule. Each month of my junior year, when we finished a brainstorming session, I would leave with a weight on my chest. I was constantly thinking about the stories I “wanted” to create, my Person of the Month assignment, or my Black and Red TV segment. I think the biggest shift for me from last year is the way I felt about my stories. Last year, they felt like a chore and a burden, but this year, I was excited that I had the opportunity to provide the school with content. I failed to realize that being a reporter was a privilege and something I took for granted in the past.
Although no one likes feeling stressed, I truly feel this is what drives my work ethic and my ability to meet deadlines. This year, I still definitely felt stressed, but I didn’t allow it to consume my life. Instead of thinking about my stories like a chore, I allowed myself to just write. I think this is what truly drove my work and led to the success of many of my news stories. I wrote about the things I cared about, and also the topics I was unfamiliar with.
This year on the news staff, I have learned that time is so precious. I spent my whole year wishing time away. Wishing I could make it to the next break, wishing for summer, and wishing for college. Wishing the year would go faster or speed up, but this class helped me to stay present in the moment. The sharing of good news at the start of class, brainstorming for personal stories, and planning for Black and Red TV helped me live in the moment and take it month by month. Time is a valuable thing, and this class has taught me that. Using time wisely in class is valuable, and most importantly, valuing the time you have right where you’re at in the moment. Enjoying the time I had as a student journalist and being thankful for everything this class has given me.
Reflecting on the year, I’ve learned more lessons than I can count. I have truly loved my time as a student journalist, and I will forever cherish the time I’ve been given in room 402. This has been such a valuable opportunity, and a class I owe to the person I am.
Leaving this class behind is bittersweet, but I am so grateful I’ve been a part of the Black and Redgister staff. The skills I’ve learned in this room will forever follow me, along with the memories and people.
