From sporting events to graduations to how tos and reviews. Journalism has taught me many lessons and skills that will be hard to forget. Learning how to properly interview people, use high-tech cameras, and upload stories were just a few skills I learned through journalism class this year. Every story brought new experiences and learning curves along the way, but it was a ride worth sharing. Journalism has helped me expand my horizons and get out of my comfort zone by pushing me to do things I didn’t think I would be able to. I’ve grown not only in my skills but also as a person through this class, which has given me ample opportunities to try new things and learn.
One of the many aspects of journalism that I came to enjoy was interviews. When I first heard we would be asked to go into the classroom and interview students about something they were involved in, I was beyond worried. I dont enjoy public speaking or being recorded while speaking, so the idea of doing both of those things was scary to me. While my first few interviews were shaky, I learned through the process. I learned how to format questions to get the best, most helpful answers and how to effectively interview multiple sources. Interviewing for Black and Red TV soon because one of my favorite parts of journalism. While it does help that students are more than happy to be able to leave class, I became more confident in speaking and being recorded. It helped that my interview questions were specific, and I was practiced with the recording technology. Interviewing no longer worries me now, and I find it very enjoyable. Interviewing is just one of the many opportunities that journalism allows students to embark on; it is one of my favorites, and I am so grateful I gave it a chance.
A second opportunity that journalism has given me a taste of is learning how to use various artificial intelligence sources to enhance my work. I remember the day we learned how to use multiple websites and apps to make our work better, and I found it very interesting. I was kind of confused because using AI at school felt wrong, but these sources allowed us to make better work for our news site. I remember trying an app that took podcasts and removed all the background noise and vocal fillers. This was a game-changer because it made the piece flow smoothly and made it more enjoyable to listen to. This opportunity showed me that even if journalism may not be my thing in the future, there are many concepts that I’ve learned that transfer to many different career fields. AI is used in a variety of jobs now, so learning how to use and interact with it, even a simple editing app, was beneficial because it showed the extent to which it could enhance our projects.
Journalism is full of endless opportunities. Even if one doesn’t see themselves being a reporter in the future, this are a lot of other ways the skills learned in journalism can be transferred to other occupations. For example, using an online publication platform can better prepare you for many other complex computer systems you might use in the future. Journalism opportunities extend far beyond writing and reporting. They offer a unique platform for personal growth, engagement, and mindset. As well as opportunities to become more involved in activities around the school. As I move forward in life, I carry with me not just the knowledge of how to craft a compelling story but also a deep appreciation for the opportunities journalism has brought me throughout this year.
