That is called a headline. It is meant to catch the attention of the reader, draw them into the article, and build anticipation for what you have to say, and since you’re here it must have worked. It is also one of the many incredible things I learned about as a writer for Common Sense.
As a student in Intro to Journalism (your first class as a newspaper student) you learn all about journalism as a form of writing. We adhere to different rules, structures and processes than the typical writing in an English or humanities class. I’ve found that those differences have strengthened my writing skills holistically, and I’m a better writer even when using a more traditional format.
But Intro to Journalism is not just learning how to write, it is also learning why we do it in the first place. Even as high school students, we get to do our part to uphold democracy by providing accurate and timely information to our community. From the funniest of stories about which direction toilet paper should hang, to the most serious of stories about who is the principal running our school or about the terrifying manifesto that was covered by some of the country’s most prominent publications, Common Sense covers it all. We are a vessel for information, and a powerful force for accountability, and I think that is pretty cool.
When you finish Intro to Journalism and join the main newspaper class, you begin to understand the well-oiled machine that the publication is. There are roles such as staff writers, page editors, managing editors, online editor-in-chief and print editor-in-chief. All of these different roles interact with each other to get articles written, edited, published, promoted and entered into contests. As my responsibilities within the program grew, so did my pride for the work we do.
To call Common Sense just a newspaper publication would be incorrect; we are also a family. Time not spent working on writing or editing is often filled with “jokes of the day,” fun daily activities and passionate conversations about anything and everything. Press days, when we design the pages for the print edition of the newspaper, can be some of the best afternoons of the school year. Going on food runs, traversing the room to see others pages and the roaring applause when you finish your own page are some of the highlights.
But perhaps what is most family-like about Common Sense is the mama bear (we are called cubs as first year writers) that makes the publication work, our adviser Evva Starr. There is no teacher more caring for her craft and for her students than Starr, and you feel that from your first day to your last. If you are lucky enough to write for her, take advantage of her engaged ears, keen mind and loving heart.
My experience writing for Common Sense is something I wouldn’t trade for the world, and I know that its impact will extend far beyond my high school years. I am a stronger writer, a better person and a proud features writer emeritus. Finally, I’d like to clarify my somewhat shocking headline. Do not take Newspaper…if you want to miss out on one of the best opportunities of high school.
