Until next time...

Saying good-bye is hard. But the world hasn't seen the last of me! Reflecting on issue no. 4

Writing "until next time" at the end of my editor notes gave me a peace of mind knowing that I had another issue to write, edit and publish. Now, with the fourth and final issue in the hands of the printer I can feel myself filling up with jumbled thoughts and a sense of sorrow knowing this class and the editor position are coming to an end.

Being a journalist is not an easy job but it can be with proper education and a positive mindset. Criticism is going to happen nearly every article. If my articles were perfect I would be the one holding the laser pointer instead of sitting here listening to lectures.

I have come to the realization not every story I write will get published. There's just not enough room. I also have to learn to pick my stories wisely and give myself ample time to produce quality work worthy of reading.

Lastly, the best way to become a great author, writer and editor is to read, read and read some more. Study magazines, online newspapers and even advertisements.

Thank you to my classmates and Ms. Sheppard for making this learning experience one to remember!

Until next time,


Melissa B. Merkler
EIC

Building blocks to an educational future: College nights

College Nights

By Melissa B. Merkler

This is a follow up to my original college nights blog posted in October

Building blocks to an educational future: College nights

The the soon-to-be remodeled gymnasium had one last noisy night of excited high school students fluttering around searching for free stuff and brochures. 

“I’m just browsing the selection to see what the big vending machine of life has to offer me for the right price,” Adult High School student Adam Avellan, said at the 2013 College Night hosted by Seminole State College.

The parents however, looked less amused but instead slightly anxious, probably only seeing dollar signs and babies leaving the nest.

Tables covered in mascot colors formed aisles of information allowing passersby to grab candy, pencils, stress balls and ask questions about what a particular school had to offer.

At International Academy, for instance, three main core programs are offered: massage therapy, cosmetology and barbering, which all involve one-on-one human contact. 

“We can come to a fair like this and feel confident because every person has a different need,” Susan Pirolo, Event Planner at International Academy, said. 

Some may look down upon technical colleges but Ms. Pirolo said “on average” graduating students can make $25 to $30 an hour before tips. 

For other students, International Academy is a stepping-stone, Ms. Pirolo said.

“Some people get a massage therapy certificate and go on to become physical therapists,” she said. “We teach people skills not just technical ability.” 

The importance of human interaction, Ms. Pirolo said, is increasing since the millennium generation is growing up with “i-devices.” 

“We have lost some of our social skills as a result, so it is really important to teach people how to engage with other human beings, and that’s something they are forced to do when they go through our programs,“ she said. 

International Academy also offers discounted services to other students. Just bring a current student ID. 

Seminole State College sits in the backyard of many future and current students.

Gabriella Nicholas, a paid tour guide and full-time Seminole State student, said she chose to go state because it has a “stronger student life.”

Some high school students have no idea where they want to go or what they want to do. So attending College Night was a first step in making that decision for Lake Mary Preparatory student Andrew Wang, which had Florida Polytechnic and University of Central Florida pamphlets in hand.

There’s no doubt about it, whether going to Seminole State or another college, pursuing higher education is definitely a goal most local high school students have.

Learning is accepting personal failures

Issue no. 2 reflections

By Melissa B. Merkler

Hi Friends,

My only intention when I signed up for this class was to have fun and write a few articles for the college newspaper. It was something to put on my resume. Little did I know that one class could drastically change my life. I am now questioning my educational future and considering changing my degree from psychology to English.

On a less dramatic scale, I called Alaska for the first time. (haha) I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard the voice on the other end. Granted it was only a voicemail, for some reason I think I was expecting some strange accent. However, my roundabout source just sounded like a regular guy.

InDesign is becoming easier to maneuver. I also downloaded Adobe Illustrator and PhotoShop which I plan to learn to use and incorporate into my art and photography. I'm dreading when my free trial ends because the cloud service is $30 a month. But at least it's tax deductible.

I have learned patience is a key ingredient to publishing a college newspaper. In addition, communication, trust, respect and timeliness are extremely important attributes that lend to being a successful journalist and person in general.

Lastly, I am learning how to break old habits such as using too many comma's and "that's." And "said" is the most effective way of writing a person's quote even though it's so boring.

In closing I have learned that people will do what they want to do regardless of scholarly advice and friendly suggestions. In my opinion a closed-minded person will not go far in this world. No one is perfect (except Jesus) and everyone can always improve themselves. Learning means accepting your failures and faults and not repeating them.

Until next time,

Melissa B. Merkler
EIC