The View- My Final Reflection
The Park Hill South Newspaper is the best school organization I joined in my four years. Not only did my passion for the written word start there, but so did many friendships. I started off as a shy staff member, and ended up as an assertive editor-in-chief, all thanks to those editors previous who saw something in me and helped me realize my full potential. Each year seemed to teach one more important lesson that lead me to being a nationally recognized writer- something that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my advisor, Mrs. Palmer, and my fellow staff members.
In this class I had the freedom to write whatever I deemed important. My sophomore year, I discovered that there was a sex offender who had been violating the laws on how close he could be living to an elementary school, and I decided that that was something important to talk about. Eight months later I published it, reminding students and parents to monitor sex offenders in their area. My junior year, a group of us staff members decided we wanted to write a spread about STDs, drugs, sex, and rock & roll. While it sparked a lot of debate and discussion on distribution day, Mrs. Palmer didn’t think twice about setting up limitations beforehand.
The ability to go to national and state competitions exposed me to real journalists, and other publications that I could learn from. Every time, I came back with a list of things I wanted to improve about the paper and its productivity. It was easy to write about before being the person behind the scenes organizing it all, which I now realize is easier said than done. Nevertheless, the open dialogue in this class has really helped shape it and make it something that everyone feels welcomed in joining.
That is the true beauty of the View, you don’t have to be a passionate prospective journalist to have fun in there. While those students are always important to have, the regular high school students bring forth an interesting perspective to the table. Many are also open to learning the AP style, and have fun writing content that they are passionate about. The relaxed environment, inclusivity, and bonding activities are what sets this class apart from the rest. Friends you make in C200, are friends you have for life.
I know they say I’m moving on to bigger and better things, but the paper will always be my home away from home. When my design directors pitched the idea for me to stand in front of the bell tower for the final cover, I got very emotional. In it you see me looking away from the school, into the future. While there is of course excitement for what’s in store, it is sad to leave something I love so much behind. I can’t thank Mrs. Palmer, or my staff enough for keeping me inspired and turning me into the writer I am today.
Cover design by Alex Benton
