Before joining the Muse Publication, to me, being a student journalist meant simply going out and telling a story. Now, after over 5 months of studying journalism and being part of a publication, being a student journalist has taken a new perspective. It encompasses not only being able to take a stance on a topic and sharing it with the community, but also digging deeper into the story and diving into the topic. I have also been able to learn about the behind-the-scenes of a news magazine. 

My scholastic media experience has shaped both my current successes, but also my future goals by pushing me to look further into the publication. As someone who was previously an audience member, I did not understand all that goes into an article. Once I stepped over to the other side of the screen, I started understanding that there is more to journalism than it seems. Being a current website staffer, I have been able to not only engage with the audience through our website, but I have been able to work with my editor and constantly come up with new ways to improve. We had to work to overcome the challenges of ensuring every piece of information is accurate, while also keeping the website interactive and fun. Through this we have been able to encompass updated polls for students to take, and a live ticker of weekly news.

When I found out I had been accepted into Dreyfoos, I knew I wanted to be part of a publication. When we started studying journalism in my freshman year as a rotation class, everything we were learning and practicing felt so natural and engaging to me. At first when I was applying to be a part of the Muse Publication, I would have to pick something and stick to that track until I graduated. Very quickly within the first week of getting settled into the class, I realized the freedom of expression you gain being a student journalist. I was opened to a whole other form of art through photography and designing while working behind the scenes. Overall, I feel I have been able to continuously grow throughout this school year and can’t wait for more to come in the future!