I learned many different types of lessons while at South Lakes, though, one major lesson that I learned and will continue to follow for the rest of my life, is the importance of trying new things.
Taking advantages of new opportunities is imperative through elementary school, high school, college, and as an adult. Experimenting is key to finding what activities, areas of learning, jobs, and even people are the right fit.
I signed up for journalism for my junior year schedule on a whim, once P.E. cleared out and I had room for another elective. I decided to try it out because I liked to write and Alyssa said the class was fun.
The responsibility of managing the paper this year came with many forgotten lunches, but also with such wonderful opportunities.
It was great to go out to cover the different activities for the paper because it was a way of seeing how amazing our school really is.
Although I still occasionally Capitalize words at inappropriate times, I absolutely avoid the word “be” thanks to Mr. Dignan drilling journalistic writing into my brain. I also learned so much about layout and design, how to handle shared responsibility, and leadership during my two years in the class.
Going into this year, I had no understanding of how much team effort is required in putting out a monthly newspaper or how much of a challenge it is to meet deadlines without it. I really want to thank those on the newspaper staff and in Journalism 1 who consistently helped immensely in putting out the paper.
Even though trying out the class was a big step in finding something that I love, I was so lucky to have such a fantastic teacher for both of my years in the class. Mr. Dignan inspired me to want to become a journalist more than anything and I am so appreciative of what he has done for me. I feel incredibly prepared for going into the communications department of La Salle and contributing everything that I have learned in a short time from Digs.
At this point in our lives, all of the seniors going to college next year are going to have so many opportunities to try new things and I hope that everyone takes advantage of all that they can in the school that they chose.
The underclassmen that are still at South Lakes should try new things here because there is so much opportunity in our school and our community.
Next year’s staff is taking a large leap into the future of journalism by trying out an online newspaper for the 2011-2012 school year. I look forward to seeing the success of the Sentinel next year under Kaitlin and Emily’s leadership.
Seahawks, never stop exploring.
Bethany Lowe served as news editor in 2009-2010 and managing editor 2010-11. Lowe also served as a DC High School Sports student correspondent for WUSA 9 and was chosen Correspondent of the Year. Lowe will attend LaSalle University in Philadelphia to study communications. Check out the story on Bethany below.