Semester 2: Reflection
Entering this class initially, I expected to be disillusioned- shown that newspaper work wasn't actually as fun or interesting as I had thought. I knew I was probably going into the class with unrealistic hopes, and a part of me was preparing for them to be dashed because so many people warned me they would. Instead, the opposite happened, and I ended up having so much fun working as a journalist this year! While it certainly wasn't a cakewalk- I had my stressful times- the best moments were enormously rewarding. I loved learning to interview people, finding my flow as a writer and reporter, and eventually using what I had learned in an amazing LINK internship.
My experience in this class has definitely made me more aware of both current happenings in the world and the news sources that cover them. I'm a lot more conscious of the minds behind what I read these days. Sometimes I find myself overflowing with respect for a journalist, and sometimes I'm overwhelmed with disgust. There are people out there who sacrifice everything for truth, and there are others who trample their efforts in the name of selfishness and manipulation. As I search for a career, I'm not entirely sure whether I will follow a journalistic path, but I know it would be a wise choice. Our world needs reporters who are honest, caring, and unbiased, and I could see myself putting my talents to good use in that role.
For now, however, I will focus my energy on being the best editor-in-chief next year that I can be. I'm honored to be moving into this position, and as always, I will do my best work to make sure the Quill is also the best it can be. I'm glad I was able to collaborate with Scarlett over LINK, because I know we'll also be working together next year- I don't know much about social media, and she's our expert! One of my biggest goals is simply to stay organized- it can make or break us in the hardest moments. As we move into the new school, there are so many opportunities opening up for us, and I can't wait to seize them all. Here's to the end of a successful year- and the beginning of our best one yet!
My experience in this class has definitely made me more aware of both current happenings in the world and the news sources that cover them. I'm a lot more conscious of the minds behind what I read these days. Sometimes I find myself overflowing with respect for a journalist, and sometimes I'm overwhelmed with disgust. There are people out there who sacrifice everything for truth, and there are others who trample their efforts in the name of selfishness and manipulation. As I search for a career, I'm not entirely sure whether I will follow a journalistic path, but I know it would be a wise choice. Our world needs reporters who are honest, caring, and unbiased, and I could see myself putting my talents to good use in that role.
For now, however, I will focus my energy on being the best editor-in-chief next year that I can be. I'm honored to be moving into this position, and as always, I will do my best work to make sure the Quill is also the best it can be. I'm glad I was able to collaborate with Scarlett over LINK, because I know we'll also be working together next year- I don't know much about social media, and she's our expert! One of my biggest goals is simply to stay organized- it can make or break us in the hardest moments. As we move into the new school, there are so many opportunities opening up for us, and I can't wait to seize them all. Here's to the end of a successful year- and the beginning of our best one yet!
Semester 2 Stories
Though they were not produced directly for the Quill, I was still very proud to write and publish four pieces for the Durango Telegraph as part of my LINK Internship! All of them are linked below, and you're encouraged to see the LINK page of this website for more information about the internship program.
Discovering Durango Treasures
The Pole- Florida Man
Warming up to hot (ish) yoga
The fight for a starry night
Below are a couple of my Quill articles from this semester. I will admit that the initial search for LINK this semester caused me to be a little less involved with writing, though I worked more with the editing of other stories.
Discovering Durango Treasures
The Pole- Florida Man
Warming up to hot (ish) yoga
The fight for a starry night
Below are a couple of my Quill articles from this semester. I will admit that the initial search for LINK this semester caused me to be a little less involved with writing, though I worked more with the editing of other stories.
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
This second story was not actually published due to circumstances surrounding the CMAS, but I was proud of it nonetheless.
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
Semester 1: Work Sample and Reflection
Thoughts at the End of a Semester
by Elizabeth Barrett
"The person that left Jessica [McCallum]'s classroom today is different from the one that entered in September!" exclaims junior Za Barrett, beaming with pride. "I came into Journalism as a timid noob and I left as a more confident person."
After her feature story covering the Osprey Theatre Company recently made the front page of the Animas Quill, Za is feeling more enthusiastic about the art of news writing than ever before. Her childish overconfidence may be a little concerning, but she smiles nonetheless.
Over the course of the semester, she has also been taught many useful things. "Shouldn't you be using the active voice? Like, 'she learned' instead?" comments Za. "Also, don't write that down. I mean it. You're not supposed to do that, either!"
Always a perfectionist, Za hopes eventually to achieve editorial status in order to pick apart others' work as well. "Aw, come on," Za protests, "that's not- well- we do like editing, okay? That's not a bad thing! In fact, I think our proofreading eye is just what the Quill could use. I am looking forward to helping out in the future."
One must wonder what "help" from Za, (notorious for recording everything her classmates and teachers say, far too stuck-up for her own good) entails. Actually, here's the truth of the matter- she thinks that she's smart but is really just a big dumb idiot. She is a fool. She still knows nothing about anything and is going to be useless no matter what.
"This is because of the passive voice thing, isn't it?"
No. I mean, the author denies any personal bias in this matter.
"Yeah, right," Za snorts, and proceeds to reach towards the hey wait what are you doing? Stop that right no2372qfr89jjjjjjjjjj83290&*Y*(U(ol./3hss9a0kakmllllllllllllllla a jjjjj mmmm qfnjvyukio r9t;u9ji f20-== :p0;'opwooooo' 0eww9380292o999999999920000000000004hkvg kbhinjklnjklbnj09- [ [[ ;;
;8
978*
*
One of the most important things to know in this life, Za believes, is how to properly restrain one's inner critic. Certain knots tend to work more efficiently than others, for instance. One must always be sure to use strong rope.
"Hey, that's no fair!" an indignant voice shouts from the corner. "I was writing that!" This voice is speaking due to a wrongly tied gag, which our new author will be correcting momentarily.
"You see, a certain amount of self-criticism is healthy," Za states, settling back into her chair. "But there are times when it can get out of control. Some days, this gal in the corner won't let me write a word for fear it will be wrong. A huge part of my journey has been about dealing with her- balancing self-confidence and self-critique."
"That means you need to calm down a little," she adds, facing the corner. "I don't know why you're so crazy today."
While she maintains this balance, Za has been able to overcome fears and develop some helpful skills. Interviews used to be a challenge, but now, she says, "they're kinda fun! And they come more naturally, because I'm not as scared anymore." She is always eager to volunteer and help out where necessary.
"I've learned that journalism requires a lot of courage, even if you're not walking into a war zone. You have to be willing to put yourself out there- ask all the questions, learn even at the risk of looking foolish, and say what needs to be said. You do the hard things, go the extra mile, so that your reporting can be as truthful and helpful as possible."
"And you also must acknowledge your own flaws," the critic sighs. "You take your bias into account and try to be fair. You proofread when necessary. This way, your writing is the best it can be."
As she enters this next semester, Za hopes to live up to these ideals and more. She's now confident that she can.
by Elizabeth Barrett
"The person that left Jessica [McCallum]'s classroom today is different from the one that entered in September!" exclaims junior Za Barrett, beaming with pride. "I came into Journalism as a timid noob and I left as a more confident person."
After her feature story covering the Osprey Theatre Company recently made the front page of the Animas Quill, Za is feeling more enthusiastic about the art of news writing than ever before. Her childish overconfidence may be a little concerning, but she smiles nonetheless.
Over the course of the semester, she has also been taught many useful things. "Shouldn't you be using the active voice? Like, 'she learned' instead?" comments Za. "Also, don't write that down. I mean it. You're not supposed to do that, either!"
Always a perfectionist, Za hopes eventually to achieve editorial status in order to pick apart others' work as well. "Aw, come on," Za protests, "that's not- well- we do like editing, okay? That's not a bad thing! In fact, I think our proofreading eye is just what the Quill could use. I am looking forward to helping out in the future."
One must wonder what "help" from Za, (notorious for recording everything her classmates and teachers say, far too stuck-up for her own good) entails. Actually, here's the truth of the matter- she thinks that she's smart but is really just a big dumb idiot. She is a fool. She still knows nothing about anything and is going to be useless no matter what.
"This is because of the passive voice thing, isn't it?"
No. I mean, the author denies any personal bias in this matter.
"Yeah, right," Za snorts, and proceeds to reach towards the hey wait what are you doing? Stop that right no2372qfr89jjjjjjjjjj83290&*Y*(U(ol./3hss9a0kakmllllllllllllllla a jjjjj mmmm qfnjvyukio r9t;u9ji f20-== :p0;'opwooooo' 0eww9380292o999999999920000000000004hkvg kbhinjklnjklbnj09- [ [[ ;;
;8
978*
*
One of the most important things to know in this life, Za believes, is how to properly restrain one's inner critic. Certain knots tend to work more efficiently than others, for instance. One must always be sure to use strong rope.
"Hey, that's no fair!" an indignant voice shouts from the corner. "I was writing that!" This voice is speaking due to a wrongly tied gag, which our new author will be correcting momentarily.
"You see, a certain amount of self-criticism is healthy," Za states, settling back into her chair. "But there are times when it can get out of control. Some days, this gal in the corner won't let me write a word for fear it will be wrong. A huge part of my journey has been about dealing with her- balancing self-confidence and self-critique."
"That means you need to calm down a little," she adds, facing the corner. "I don't know why you're so crazy today."
While she maintains this balance, Za has been able to overcome fears and develop some helpful skills. Interviews used to be a challenge, but now, she says, "they're kinda fun! And they come more naturally, because I'm not as scared anymore." She is always eager to volunteer and help out where necessary.
"I've learned that journalism requires a lot of courage, even if you're not walking into a war zone. You have to be willing to put yourself out there- ask all the questions, learn even at the risk of looking foolish, and say what needs to be said. You do the hard things, go the extra mile, so that your reporting can be as truthful and helpful as possible."
"And you also must acknowledge your own flaws," the critic sighs. "You take your bias into account and try to be fair. You proofread when necessary. This way, your writing is the best it can be."
As she enters this next semester, Za hopes to live up to these ideals and more. She's now confident that she can.
Semester 1 Stories
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
