As a junior in high school, when I decided to take on a future in the journalism field, I had no idea what to expect. I had no guideline on what classes I should take or even where to go to college. I was lost. I did, eventually, get my stuff together with some great help of a mentor, Beth Knipper. She helped me and guided me. When I learned some more about journalism, I knew I had to take on the school’s newspaper. This is where my journey really took off.

Beth Basinger, our adviser, is easily one of the most helpful and kind teachers anyone will ever have. In a way, she took me under her wing and led me in the right direction of being a future journalist. Like everyone else, I believe she was a little surprised I, Kade Overton, was going into a journalism future. However, she didn’t shy away. She took it upon herself to help me out and get me ready.

I knew I needed to take it a step further to get myself ready for my future. Going above and beyond in a lot of my stories and even getting myself a winter beat with the ADM boys basketball team was just one step. The more I put into it, I got even more out of it. I LOVE BEING A JOURNALIST. It is my calling. The little glimpse of what I got out of the sports reporting is all I needed to know that I am going to love my career.

Not only did this class help me with learning about myself, but it also taught me other things. Working with others and learning how to compromise with others was tough; however, it did make things easier the more I learned about how to do it. Being an on-air reporter is what I really want to do. I may not have gotten all of that experience in this class, but for a high school newspaper this class was the jumpstart I needed. For anybody wanting a future in journalism, this class or any opportunity of newspaper is easily one of the most helpful things you can do. This class was by far a true highlight of my senior year.