Dear The Panther,
I had never been properly introduced to the concept of journalism until my freshman year in Journalism 1. In this class, I learned the fundamentals: writing, reporting, ethical standards and interviewing. As the year continued, my passion only grew, so at the end of the year, I decided to apply for Miami Palmetto Senior High’s newspaper: The Panther. After submitting my application, I had to complete an interview, in which I sat before The Panther’s leadership team at the time. Although it was a frightening experience, I learned during my interview that this class is student-led and representative of a professional environment, which further piqued my interest.
I was accepted as a Copy Editor my sophomore year, one of five people responsible for editing all stories before they are published. As a Copy Editor, I had to adjust to extremely strict deadlines, master my communication skills and quickly engrave the Associated Press Style rules into my head. Soon, copy editing became more than just my homework for sixth period; it became an enjoyable way for me to ensure that all of our stories met The Panther’s standards.
Being on The Panther was not just a position, though. I met so many new people that I had never crossed paths with before. Whether seniors or freshmen, every staffer brought a new personality and perspective, diversifying our team. So, considering all of this, I knew I had to re-apply. As I began to contemplate what position to apply for, one captivated me: Senior Copy Editor. Senior Copy Editor stood out to me because it embodies responsibility, accountability and accuracy; qualities that I have learned are essential to our publication. The anticipation I felt while waiting to hear if I got it was palpable, and I felt unable to contain how much I truly wanted this. Shown under the headline of this story, I was named Senior Copy Editor, and became part of the acclaimed leadership.
Obtaining this position was the pinnacle of my time on The Panther, and I hope to maintain it until I graduate. It has taught me collaboration, communication and most importantly, how to be an effective leader. Ultimately, I think what I am trying to say is thank you. Thank you to The Panther for expanding my writing horizons, giving me countless opportunities, relieving the stress that my other classes bring and empowering me to step out of my comfort zone.
