This is an editorial part of a series highlighting why high school journalism matters.
By Brienna Burr
What would a high school look like without a newspaper? Consider Redwood High School minus the Gigantea. It's a pretty big deal to think about.
Walking into room 207 the first day of my sophomore year, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I never thought one class could change my life.
In journalism, we do way more than just write stories. Sure, we interview people and cover school events, but we also get to know we're a part of something bigger.
We tell Redwood's story not just to our community but to everyone who can reach us.
As a freshman, I had no idea what electives to take. I felt the pressure of thinking about my future and what colleges might want me to look like.
I picked journalism on a whim. It turned out to be the best decision ever.
My experience with the Gigantea has been amazing. I've been lucky enough to write stories, be an Arts and Entertainment Section Editor, and now, an Editor in Chief.
High school journalism has let me explore leadership, discover new interests, and figure out what I want to do in the future.
Before joining this class, I mostly stuck with my group of friends. But being part of Gigantea has allowed me to talk to all kinds of people.
Every interview is a real conversation where I get to explore not just my interests but also what our readers are interested in.
Not enough can be said about my gratitude to the Gigantea. Just knowing that I am a small piece of an organization that began back in 1955 is a source of satisfaction for me in my high school career.
To me, being a high school journalist isn't just about getting access to games or special events; it's about adding to an archive of my school.
In 30 years, I hope an incoming freshman trying to decide what electives to put on their schedule will be randomly scrolling through the Gigantea and coming across one of my stories.
I hope my stories, my team's stories, podcasts, photo galleries, and the Gigantea will inspire young minds to step out of their comfort zones and try something new.
With that being said, read the Gigantea—join the Gigantea. We make it big, do it right, and give it class.
Brienna Burr
Brienna Burr, '24, is in her third year of writing and editing for the Redwood Gigantea. Outside of journalism, Brienna is a part of Dance Force, CSF, Assisteens Visalia and International Dance. You can reach her by email at brien.bu9038@vusd.us
Tags: Brienna Burr, high school journalism, opinion, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, rhs, student press freedom week, visalia ca
