Local Voices from the Student Reporting Labs Academy
What happens when 20 students from across the country come together in our nation's capital to share their love of journalism and gain mentorship from some of the most highly regarded media professionals working today? Well, just have a look...
The PBS Newshour Student Reporting Labs held their annual academy in Washington DC earlier this summer, and we had several SoCal students from Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga attend! From the looks of their instagram snaps, we can see they had a great time, but read on to get the scoop on their #SRLAcademy experience from the talented young journalists themselves.
Going to the SRL Academy was a unique opportunity to not only produce a real news story but to learn from people who have real-world journalism experience, not to mention getting to meet other amazing young storytellers from all over the country. It was awe-inspiring getting to meet Obama's videographer, Hope Hall, as well as Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith and hearing their stories and perspectives on not only their work, but ours as well. Overall, I think this opportunity was an amazing look into the journalism field that many of us want to someday go into. It was hard work, definitely, but I think the long days and seemingly endless editing were a small price to pay for the incredible experience.
At the Student Reporting Labs Academy, I've learned more than I have in my whole life. I've made many friends that I will be in contact with my whole life. This program truly is an experience I will never forget.
During the short 5 days of this 2016 SRL Academy I learned more than I could have ever expected. I was trained on amazing professional grade equipment and programs. I was taught to step outside my comfort zone and try new and exciting things by challenging the traditional way of filming. I also was blessed to be able to meet and work with some of the finest high school journalists in the country and was taught by amazing mentors that work in the journalism field and challenged us real life applications. Although my high school experience with SRL has come to an end, I couldn't have dreamed of a better experience. This academy really inspired me to be the very best I can be and gave me the tools I need to get there.
The Student Reporting Labs Academy was an amazingly valuable opportunity to me because I learned so much from it. Not only did I learn new filming strategies, how to better use sound equipment, and better editing techniques, but also how to better interact with people. The different cultures and uniqueness of all the other fellows inspired me to seek out stories focusing on people. I feel like the trip to Washington DC has changed my outlook on journalism for the better.
Check out the amazing projects they put together during the academy, and be sure to keep an eye on these budding journalists for the future!