Newspaper Final 2015-2016 School Year: Semester One
P.S. I apologize in advance for the rant, but this is how I feel about things.
13. What is the most important thing you have learned this semester being on newspaper staff?
A: Over the passed three and a half years on staff I have learned many things; the most important thing I have learned is how to deal with people in a real working environment, and what to expect from people in the way they treat their coworkers. I have become aware that saying no to responsibilities may be the smart move, rather than accepting every role you can take on. I realize how people work, or don't work, as a team and in my opinion it is the team leader's fault if the team doesn't perform to their best ability. It is the team leader's responsibility to inspire their team, as well as help and encourage them when they stumble.
I have learned a lot about myself as a person and additionally as a leader. I respond poorly to not criticism, but negativity. I would like to see this program become a more positive environment. Additionally, I have learned that people respond best, and will work harder, if they are given one on one help. This may not be possible for everyone, but it is definitely not helpful for people to be worried about asking questions.
14. What can you do next semester to continue your scholastic journalism career in a fulfilling and positive way?
A: The following semester will, at least after the fourth issue, allow me to do more teaching students rather than working directly on the paper. I am tired.
I will be writing stories and designing art, as well as pages, but I would also like to have a hand in more photography this coming semester. I have had personal interest in it for awhile and I guess I just never thought it would be the most effective way to spend my time working for the paper. I will possibly be looking for more hard hitting stories, or at least something outside my comfort zone. I would like to see the paper do well in competitions, maybe even a gold star, but most importantly I'd like to see people enjoy their time on staff. We are 15-18, this is not our job. We choose to be here and work for free. I'd like to see this paper become something people want to be on, and if they already do then something they will enjoy being a part of, something rewarding.
15. What suggestions do you have to improve any part of this class?
A: Positivity. Check ups on staff performances and questions. Q and A sessions for In-Design, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Staff bonding or some type of team building activities.
As a member of the staff for more than three years I will say this year has been very different for me. I don't know whether it's because it was 10x more stressful, or that I had to pick up extra slack, or that I'm a senior starting to question what is necessary and what is just extra to worry about. I haven't had the best experience this year in either theatre or on staff this year, it seems like everyone is stretching that much farther to get the same things done. I think it would be most beneficial if, on staff, we were taught to do things because we want to see the paper do well, because we want to see our work in it, not because we have to and it's going to suck if we don't. I understand it may seem impossible to handle so many people, but at the same time positivity goes a long way.
However, I am proud of the things I have accomplished this year and look forward to my final semester on staff. I show the paper to my entire family every issue and love to hear how much they enjoy it. I want to be on a staff in college; I'm glad this program gave me a really strong head start. So, thank you.
