0
0
Massive skyscrapers tower over the school group as they hurry towards the entrance of the train station. Once on the platform they watch as a train, already filled with people, stops. They crowd on the hot, sweaty train and find themselves packed together, inches away from complete strangers.
As the NS Times leadership, we were able to experience this and much more in Boston, Massachusetts, while there for the National High School Journalism Convention in November.
The convention takes place every year in different locations. This year was the seventh time the NS journalism class has at- tended. What we can learn and discuss helps improve different aspects of our class.
“I feel like it’s really important that we did go to the conference, and we did learn these things even if it’s hard to bring them back,” senior Brooke Syme said. “I know in some ways how I can be a better editor, and I really like that about the trip.”
We were able to implement a new website, SNO Flow, after learning of it at the convention. The website will organize stories and allow for a simple writing and editing process. We are also able to better involve editors in the editing process of stories.
The week-long trip provided not only a chance to improve our organization, leadership skills and writing but also to build relationships and work through challenges.
“This is an opportunity to learn a lot about journalism, but it’s also an opportunity for people to get closer to each other,” journalism advisor Ben Cox said. “I think that it matters when you’re trying to work together as a team that you have these relationships. I think that life and school and everything else is more meaningful when we have these close relationships.”
As we shared meaningful experiences we were able to build connection. In Boston, we were able to attend an amazing concert by the Boston Symphony, walk through Chinatown, see the vibrant Harvard campus and explore the city. Our group shopped at the Quincy Market, rode a carousel, visited the Museum of Fine Arts, ate at the Cheers bar and attended the convention at the Sheraton Hotel.
We had the chance to walk the Freedom Trail and see other historic sites outside of Boston such as the North Bridge and the
Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Visiting Concord and Salem was a wonderful time to see smaller communities and their interest- ing qualities.
“The Freedom Trail night we walked really late and it got dark,” junior Trace Rees said. “It was really fun because I think we all just took turns buddying up and talking with each other. It was nice just to talk with each other and get to know each other a little bit more.”
We learned not only about journalism and each other but also were able to expand our views beyond what we were used to.
“I also love that it gives students the opportunity to see the world;” Cox said, “to see things outside of Sanpete County.”
The culture and experiences of Boston offer an opportunity for us to develop and thrive.
“I think we’re in a little small community and we get in this mindset that this is where we want to be but without going and seeing places students get trapped in that mindset,” Rees said. “As soon as you go and see new places you kind of get that idea that, ‘Oh, there are other opportunities for me elsewhere. I have space that I can grow and do new things.’”
Our growth and involvement in many diverse activities allowed us all to have an enjoyable time.
“I love taking these trips because of all the things we experience,” Cox said. “The opportunities to bond and the opportunities to see the world and learn about journalism, but really for me, it’s just a lot of fun. I think we have amazing students, and I love getting to know them outside of the classroom.”
