Being a Journalist covers all of the multi-talented formats in The News School (TNS) program. What does it take to be a journalist/photographer in this program? What was the most challenging part of journalism? Are there keywords when thinking of TNS that come to mind? I’ll be informing you about my elevating experience in being a dedicated journalist and photographer.
TNS Promoting Youth
Are there keywords when thinking of TNS that come to mind? The News School provides a transformative community-based elevated experience for underserved youth and young adults. In this program, the youth can learn about identifying and developing leadership. Meaning that It’s okay to make mistakes because if you don’t you won’t learn much. Just try not to make that same mistake because after that it’s a choice. The News School has extraordinary writers like myself that focus on what happens in different communities.
As well as from all over with topics such as World, the United States, Business, Technology, Entertainment, Sports, Science, and Health, in short, W.U.B.T.E.S.S.H. We use this as a guide when producing daily articles. I heard about this program through my mentor, Princess Shaw.
At that time I was actually with a small group of people going around the North Lawndale Community cleaning up with her. It was coming to an end and I asked her, is there any way I can work with you again? After waiting for a week or so that’s when she introduced me to this program. Princess informed me that it was a photography job and for the first two weeks I was a bit confused. Then I realized it was both of journalist and a photography job.Â
Challenging Part in Journalism
What was the most challenging part of journalism? The most part that challenging was interacting with new people almost every day. Of course, communicating is required when doing journalism and being a photographer. As time goes by communicating becomes natural for me to speak up. Many people would mistake me for a shy person but I’m just an introvert.
For me being an introvert is to observe your surroundings while also getting the job done. Another challenging part for me was talking about myself. Earlier I mentioned it’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how anyone learns in life. Making mistakes is how I learn and grow to become better at speaking from experience. I remember there were a few times when I would make mistakes in my articles.
One of our editors, Sheena Robertson or Seth Herlinger, would send it back to me so I could fix it. Whether it’s a couple of errors, the photo is copyrighted or some info missing, they would let me know. I’m very thankful for them informing me so that I can improve my writing skills.
Promoting Journalist/Photographer
What does it take to be a journalist/photographer in this program? In my elevating experience as a journalist, I have learned more depth core skills. Core skills such as written and verbal communication, info analysis, research, and flexibility.
Every day I learn more about civic engagement and analyze many current events. It takes hard work and dedication to be a journalist and photographer. Not to mention the patience you need, especially for yourself.
For me being a photographer is very exciting and enjoyable. In those moments I really take my time learning different angles from my camera. There were a few events when I take breathe taking photos and amazing angle shots. Our most recent event was about the lack of education and inequality within North Lawndale, in August of this year. I also wrote articles on mental health, BLM Art, and more.
Written by Tiffany Fleming
Sources
Chicago Leader: Influential Officials Respond to West-Side Youth by Tiffany Fleming
Guardian Liberty Voice: BLM Art Is Saved for History by Tiffany FlemingÂ
Chicago Leader: Triggers of Mental Health by Tiffany Fleming
TNS: What’s the Problem With Mississippi’s Remaining Water Source? By Tiffany FlemingÂ
Images Courtesy of The News School and Tiffany FlemingÂ
