Hannah Johnson-Club's and Lifestyle
I am a clubs and lifestyles writer for the Gigantea. This is my first year writing for the paper. I write deep dives on people involved in clubs and sports. I have learned many different skills and have built my confidence when talking to new people. My work is important because it recognizes people and clubs that no one might have known about. I am proud of our amazing editors and writers who helped our section become the best it can be this semester.
Semester 1 Stories
Varsity Water-Polo Captains reflect on their roles as the season arises:
This story was written by me and my friend Ayla. It talks about the water polo captains and their contributions to this year's water polo season. One of my journalistic strengths that are shown in this story is my writing. This was one of my first interviews I ever did, so I was still learning how to be thorough.
This story matters because there are people who might have learned about all of the hard work the captains do for their team to win. It also impacts the players who have amazing leaders to inspire them.
Varsity Girls Tennis Captains match intensity for the sport on the court:
This story includes a deep dive on two of the Varsity Girls Tennis team. Their influence on the team impacts the way they play. The captains played a huge role in why they won their tournament. This shows my interviewing strengths because the story has to be very personal with both of the captains.
This story matters because these captains need the recognition they deserve for all of the hard work they put into their team.
Thanksgiving Break ignites Traditions for Rangers this Holiday Season:
This Thanksgiving break story talks about what the people at Redwood do for their two weeks off. Many people have some really fun traditions and interesting ways of spending their break. This shows good interviewing skills because I had to talk to four different people for this story.
This story matters because it gives people a glimpse at how others spend their break and how it might be different from their own.
Reflection
Where have I been?
My initial thought of journalism class was a teacher would assign us stories and we would write them in a classroom. I had no idea that it was the kids who have established what the Gigantea is today with the guidance of Mr. Miller. I have the freedom to write what I want more than I thought I would.
Where am I now?
After the first semester of taking Journalism one, I have learned I am a better interviewer than a writer, and my friend is a better writer than an interviewer. We wrote two stories together in order to help each other out. I have gained more confidence when speaking to new people and I am better at maintaining eye contact than I was before.
Where am I going?
Next semester, I want to build my video editing skills and create more multimedia interviews. Another goal would be to become more independent when writing and not depend on my editors as much. My final goal for our section as a whole would be to maintain our production of stories even more than this semester.