A Passion For Writing by Alyssa

A Passion For Writing by Alyssa - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

I've always had a passion for the english language. In elementary school I created mental competitions with myself to become the best reader in the class, or, to pass all the spelling exams. In middle school my love for reading grew and I became a bookworm. My time was spent in the library or at home surrounded by all the books I loved. High school was where my love for reading and writing subdued, I became so invested with my schoolwork that I didn’t find the right amount of time to pick up books like I’d done in the previous years. However, my schedule opened up junior year and I found myself looking for an elective that suited my personality. I came across Journalism.
Journalism is a class where you and your classmates work together to create the school newspaper. It was perfect. I’d finally get back into my love for english, and my writing could be published for the entire school to read. This class initially was quiet, small, and intimate. I found myself among freshmen and seniors who remained with their class levels and we only spoke to one another when it was necessary. Our teacher, Mrs. Clifford, was new to the school (her first year) and the journalism program.
It was difficult to get a kick start, considering none of us actually knew how. After time, the class seemed to combine and we learned to lean off of one another and ask for help. Our communication and independence skills grew immensely considering a grand part of journalism are the interviews. Connecting with your audience is essential, remember who you’re speaking to. This isn’t about you, it’s about them. Show their story.
Saying goodbye to the seniors was the hardest part. I became such great friends with each of them that accepting they would move away to continue the next chapter of their life was difficult. I learned so much with each of them. Our editors in chief, Emily and John, were hard on us, but encouraged us to find our voice within the writing. They taught us the proper format and grammar skills to perfect the stories we told. I learned so much about each of the students that I hope I’ll never forget them. They each held their own story and so much background. On their graduation day I learned to work camera equipment and filmed their entire ceremony with a few more of my classmates. It took fast reaction times, learning quickly, and communication skills to make this perfect (considering it was live for anyone on the internet to see).
Senior year, I’m taking Journalism again. This year I upgraded from ‘journalist’ to ‘photo editor.’ It’s now my job to watch over the underclassman and guide them, just as the seniors the year before did to me. I take charge on photos that get immediately put into the newspaper and edit stories/give feedback to the students on their work. I’ve learned to help them improve as a writer.
Not only am I planning on taking Journalism in high school, but I’ve made the decision to major in it in college. Journalism will always be a part of me, and I’ll never forget the students and teacher who helped me along the way and made it all happen.