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

College Night at Seminole State College

By Melissa B. Merkler

Everyone knows the first rule of Fight Club is you do no talk about Fight Club.

Well, my first rules for journalism is don’t just write one story. Get out there and cover as much as possible.

Practice makes perfect.

Slacking gets you bad grades and a lack of respect from your peers.

Tonight at the last minute I loaded up the truck with my two-year-old daughter , threw in my voice recorder, notebook, some Seminole Scribe newspapers, camera and stroller and headed to Seminole State College's College Night.

Seminole State opened its doors to 100 colleges and universities to local high school students so they could meet and greet with future educational choices.

The parking lot was full of cars and the gym was full of excited teenagers on the hunt for free stuff and college pamphlets.

I don't know who was more nervous, the kids or their parents walking sheepishly behind them. The kids probably saw a good time and the parents saw dollar signs.

It was a fun night. I'm glad I went. My daughter and I made some new friends and learned about schools I had never heard of before.

Interviews to follow.

Andrew Wang, student at Lake Mary Preparatory School, visited College Night to weigh his university options.
Photo by Melissa B. Merkler 

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