The Journalism room

In my senior year I decided to take journalism. It was honestly one of the best choices I’ve made throughout my high school career.  At the start of the year we as a staff all made personal goals, “My goal for this class is that this year I can grow in my writing, learn to be more confident in my skills, and hope to share people’s stories“. As the year comes to an end I do feel that I met my goals and exceeded my expectations. I know that “news happens outside this room” but I feel that the story of journalism needs to be told. 

The Staff

The staff I got to work with and bond with this year was absolutely incredible, a great group of people. The staff team as a whole is very understanding, motivating, and just overall a great support system. Never really a boring or quiet day in the journalism room. Every student is given a role and responsibilities for the year. Some people are story editors, some are in charge of events, and so much more. Each job is important and needed to keep the flow in the class. Each and every classmate is helpful and willing to always help. The staff is really a support team always lifting up others. At the start of class we start with good news. Sharing good news and what is going on in all of our busy lives is a way we all stay connected and show genuine interest in others’ outside lives.  

The Flow 

The overall flow and set up of the class is my favorite. I feel independent and self expressive but with a huge amount of support. At the start of every class we work on our 7 minute jobs. Each week is a new job so you always have a change. Each month you write two personal stories about whatever is important to you, what’s news around the world, news around us, and just options you have. Having this freedom really helped me express myself this year. Every week we do check-ins with the people around our desk tops, this keeps us in check on our progress making sure we remember our goals and update them if needed. This holds the class accountable with self reflections. 

The Special Insight

The secret special insight we get as a staff is really unique. We get interviews and meetings with people, teachers, and ADM staff that most students don’t. We get to learn really cool things about people, stories that you would never know unless you go looking for it. As a journalism staff we meet with our superintendent one time a month. Getting updates on any relevant topics. This is a great opportunity for a story. Us as the journalism staff get to tell the updates on things other students may not even know were happening or going on around them.

The Fun

The fun we get to have as a class is like nothing I’ve ever had before. We do team building activities, this can include singing with pipecleaner figures, throwing balloons, and so much more. Caleb Klassen, a very important member of our staff. Caleb comes up with unique interactive lessons for us. Each fun activity or lesson has a message. Each message is relevant to journalism over all or a message for just the staff. We all spend most of the class laughing, never really in a dull mood in the classroom. We also went on a field trip to Iowa City earlier in the year. It was very informative but also a lot of fun. I learned lots about journalism and a lot about clash royal on that trip. 

I’ve very much enjoyed my time in the journalism room. I always highly recommend it when asked about the class. I think it’s a great way to express yourself, your opinions, and always be supported emotionally.