Coming onto The Muse, I was most excited about being able to work on the copy section. I had a basic understanding of what it was, from talking with some copy staffers, but was pleasantly surprised once actually working on copy. I didn’t realize how underrated grammar was to some people, and how important the draft cycle is. Once going into articles, captions, and graphics I was able to understand that we can fix the small mistakes. I also think I was able to learn a lot within my section. I have always enjoyed writing and grammar; however, journalism is very different. I got to learn the different formats for citations, punctuation, and use of the AP Stylebook. I can proudly say that I am now obsessed with the AP Stylebook. It is incredibly useful for daily editing, and is accessible for everyone. The stuff I’m learning and doing in copy is also helpful in my AICE Language class. We are going really into depth on sentence structure, and it’s been very useful when editing. On odd days I am always learning something new, either from AICE or copy.
Being on an independent section like copy, I also get to do social media. At first I was surprised and worried about the workload, but it has been a wonderful experience. I believe I had social media as my third option in my application, so I’m happy I still get to do it. Having that sense of deadlines and assignments really help with my productivity and my involvement in school. I have been learning a lot about different people and organizations at Dreyfoos that make me feel more educated. Working on social media also gives me practice for my journalism skills. I have always loved writing, so being able to do a form of journalism almost weekly is so useful for my skill set. Social media has also made me more familiar with working with the photo staffers. This helps my interactive skills and also takes into account other people’s time when scheduling.
Recently, I also chose to write for issue two. This is something I had been wanting to do for a while, and was so happy I was given the opportunity to do so. I learned a lot about working with someone, since I was co-writing with someone. We had to be able to communicate well and plan together. Writing the article was so fun for me, and going through the draft cycle I got to hear multiple people’s opinions and ideas that only made the piece better. I loved getting to work with a new set of people, and hope to do it again.
As for my goals, for my time on The Muse I hope to be more involved. I would love to be able to collaborate more, and to be given more assignments. I hope to be more participant in peer critiques, and at stay-afters. This way I could know what makes a great issue, and have more experience with brainstorming and improving ideas. I have enjoyed my time so much, I would love to fill my free hours with more Muse work.
For the upcoming year, I am expected to work on PR and Social Media as editor. I am excited to be able to research this area of journalism as it is something i'v subconsciously been doing throughout the year. I always try and brainstorm ideas for my social media assignments, and enjoy doing so. Next year, I hope to be able to reflect The Muse well on Instagram, especially since that's where most people see us. I have been able to get some experience with PR and planning our marketing aspects. I hope to be able to continue our professional vibe, but also really promote that we are an arts school and have that reflected.