Commentary: End of year wrap-up

As Video Editor of the Feather Online this year, I learned a lot about the dedication and hard work it takes to be successful in online journalism, specifically digital media. As the year comes to a close, my high school career is ending and the chaos of journalism slows down, I reflect upon what started my interest in videography.

Sophomore year I joined video productions due to complications in my schedule. I needed to take an elective and that was my only option. This was the first time I ever picked up a video camera or used an editing software. Quickly realizing my talent and eye for video, the class became more than just an elective, it was a place for me to display my talents and improve skills.

Journalism Adviser Greg Stobbe expressed interest in my talents and recruited me into joining The Feather. Taking on the responsibility as one of the only videographers, I learned a lot about self-motivation and determination. As a junior, I took on the load of running the video department until the old Feather website crashed in spring 2015. As Senior Video Editor this year, along with a bigger videography staff and improved website, we were able to double the video count from last year. I am extremely proud of what my team and I were able to accomplish this year. I hope the success continues for many years to come.

Two events in which I learned a lot from were our trip to New York, to compete for the Gold Crown, and our trip to Hollywood, to compete for the Pacemaker. Being out of the lab and my usual element, we had to adjust to working off of one computer, hotel Wi-Fi and a one day turn over. Productivity was key on these trips and required a great deal of determination. This taught me a lot about “backpack journalism” and gave a new perspective on what the world of journalism entails.

Being a part of this award winning team has been an incredible experience and great end to my high school career. I would like to give a special thanks to Greg Stobbe for putting in countless hours to keep The Feather running and for carrying us through this transition year. We could not have done it without his constant guidance and accountability he expressed to all of us. Also, I would like to give a special thanks to Kori Friesen for helping me grow in my videography skills and putting many hours into making the new website a success. Her leadership was a vital part to the success of this program and I am grateful for everything she taught me.

I hope to continue pursuing videography as a hobby as I move on to the next chapter of my life. I will be attending the honors program at Clovis Community College with the goal of transferring to a UC school upon completion of my General Education. I am proud of what this year’s team was able to accomplish and I am excited to see where The Feather goes next.

For another senior reflection read, Senior reflection: Alexis Kalugin.