Zander Pickman

I went to a very small, private middle school. One that although not intentionally, saw me as one of five graduating eighth graders. This meant that our school didn’t have clubs, different class schedules, much variety, and more noticeably, a consistent, engaging source of information made by students for students.

It was when I first stepped foot into A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts that I began to learn about the various programs within the communications department, and most importantly, how much the students were involved.

Every day during third period, I made my way to the “fundamentals of journalism” class , in which I learned various storytelling techniques, the ethics of journalism, and how to keep a reader engaged. It was a couple months later into the year that I received my first issue of The Muse. What immediately stood out to me were the eye catching designs, perfectly framed photos, and captivating writing.

I’ve always been a visual learner, which is why the designs, more than anything else, stuck with me. I immediately knew what I wanted to do as soon as I was given the opportunity to choose my classes for sophomore year.

I made my way through the rest of the year eyeing all of the different spreads in The Muse, thinking of inspiration for my future class. Fast forward one year, and I’m a design staffer on The Muse working on my first spread. Initially, it was overwhelming using InDesign for the first time, meeting my deadlines, and working out issues in the communication process between other staffers and me.

Through my 10 months spent as a staffer of The Muse the biggest lesson I have learned is how to effectively work with others. I have learned to be accepting of shortcomings and mistakes which we are all guilty of at one point or another. I have learned the importance of timeliness, as the efficacy with which I complete my tasks can have an effect on those working with me, and the publication as a whole. I’ve learned how to better receive feedback and constructive criticism. At first I feared criticism and commentary of my work, which is something that my time at The Muse has taught me to cast aside, and instead welcome criticism with open arms. I’ve learned to accept other viewpoints through communication and feedback.

I am most grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and apply these learnings into my everyday life that I otherwise may not have had the opportunity to obtain. Student journalism and the many processes that come with it leave a lasting impression on those involved inside and outside of the realm of journalism, which is why I am looking forward to the rest of the learning that lies ahead.