MAJOR REFLECTION —

This past semester has been a transformative one, filled with obstacles that have tested my abilities and pushed me to grow. After spending two years on The Paly Voice, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I will continue to carry throughout the rest of my journalistic career. Watching both my personal growth as well as the people around me in room 105 has been the most rewarding and moving. 

One of the significant challenges I faced was communication with other new staff writers. I had to develop effective communication strategies to convey expectations, provide guidance, and foster a sense of camaraderie among the team. Overcoming this challenge required patience, active listening, and a willingness to adapt my leadership style to accommodate the needs of each individual. 

In terms of my accomplishments this semester, I am proud to have written 39 stories and edited around 127 stories throughout my time on Voice. Additionally, I am grateful to have qualified as a national finalist and placed second for the NSPA Photo of the Year: News Photo category. I also received numerous honors for the pieces I've written, and I'm grateful to my experience on our publication that have helped me achieve this. These achievements reflect my commitment to my role and demonstrate my growth as a leader. Moreover, I have noticed significant improvements in my writing skills, which have translated into better-quality work. 

The environment and experience of being part of the Paly Voice have had a significant impact on my journalistic career. Working alongside a talented and dedicated team, attending conventions, and being immersed in the world of high school journalism has been truly inspiring. These experiences have fueled my passion for writing and have motivated me to continue pursuing journalism in the future. The supportive and collaborative environment has fostered personal and professional growth, and I’ve really enjoyed my time. Through my involvement in high school journalism, I have honed my writing skills, improved my research abilities, and developed a keen eye for accuracy and checking for AP style. I have also gained valuable experience in collaborating with the team, managing deadlines, and navigating the intricacies of a fast-paced work environment. However, I acknowledge that there is always room for growth. 

Moving forward, I hope to help onboard new staff writers and create a solid leadership team before I graduate. The accomplishments I have achieved and the skills I have acquired through the past year has solidified my passion for writing and strengthened my commitment to pursuing journalism in the future.

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Voice is more than just a publication or a class to me. I am forever thankful for the opportunity of being on Voice and being able to work with such a lovely team.