The Harbinger
This isn't a goodbye, It's a see you later. Friday, May 25, 2012 By Krisna Maddy
I can’t say that journalism was always my passion. I didn’t get butterflies at the thought of writing about the conflict in the Middle East, or a breaking story on the corrupted adults in society. I can’t say journalism was my niche, nor can I start off this column saying that as a little girl, I dreamt of being on the newspaper staff. I can’t say any of those things. But, I can say that my first year of being a staff writer on The Harbinger at Miami Lakes Educational Center can allow me to say those things today. This is a farewell article, if you couldn’t tell so already. I’m only a sophomore, so there isn’t much to say goodbye to. I’ll be back next year, and the year after that, reporting on a local news event, or some new health craze, so, I’m not saying goodbye to The Harbinger; it’s just a see you later. But, I’m saying goodbye to this year, its pandemonium and all. I’ve written a total of 13 articles this year; from the vices of the court justice system, to bullying, to the all too nauseating pink slime in school lunches. I wrote health articles, op-eds, local news, and school news articles. I interviewed important and not-so-important people. I’ve been ignored and given the run-around by large corporations, the school board, doctors, lawyers, and anyone else with not enough time in the world, to talk to a sophomore writer for a local high school newspaper. I’ve done it all this year, and every “No comment”, and “I’ll be sure to get in contact with you soon,”, and every word I’ve ever written, and every photo I’ve ever taken, and every interview I’ve ever held, and every social crisis I’ve covered, and every person that surrounds me in the Pink Room (the Harbinger headquarters), has taught me something different. A firm handshake makes a difference between getting the superintendent to answer a few questions or not. Always look the person you’re interviewing in the eye. Remember to smile; you’ll look more like a person, and less like a savage journalist. Always say thank you after an interview, give them the benefit of the doubt that they’re the one doing you a favor. A “No” is never really a “No”, they’ll come around eventually. The least expected people can give you the perfect quotes. Your opinion doesn’t matter, but if you’re going to have one, be able to support it. I’ve learned these things and may more. Journalism has given me more than a full portfolio, it’s given me character. It’s given me memories, skills, and experiences, which I could never get from a science or math class. Journalism has become one of my passions. I get butterflies at the thought of writing a breaking story on the corrupted adults in society. Journalism has become my niche. So, I bid ado to my first year at The Harbinger, and the chaos that came with it. I look forward to the pandemonium of next year, and the experiences that will continue to shape me. |