NATHAN JIANG
NATHAN JIANG
Palo Alto High School Student and Journalist for The Paly Voice
Minor Reflections
Major Reflection Fall 2023
This semester in journalism has been a period of real-world learning and personal development. While my first semester was marked by exciting new experiences, this semester was dedicated to expanding my knowledge of journalism and cultivating new journalistic skills.
This semester, we combined with Incubator, opening the door to new experiences. I wrote different kinds of stories than I usually would, like my story about Rocklin's LGBTQ+ policy. I talked to students from Whitney High School and learned about the social activism going on there. I also helped design some spreads, which evoked memories from beginning journalism again.
One of the new challenges I faced this semester was ad selling. Approaching local businesses to sell ads was initially daunting, especially because I'm ambiverted; I'm extroverted around my friends but introverted around strangers. I had to be professional and believe that, with perseverance and some persuasion, I could sell an ad. Even though the majority of businesses declined, I gradually built my confidence knowing that the ads were a good deal. I put myself behind the product and tried to convince them that it was worth the cost.
It was easier when I went with Evan the first time, but I did it alone the second time. One night, when my family and I went out to eat at a Chinese restaurant called Da Sichuan, I saw an opportunity to try to sell another ad. I proposed the idea of advertising in Via Verde, a publication in Incubator, because people interested in traveling often enjoy eating different kinds of food as well, and I struck a deal! Engaging with strangers and giving pitches pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me hone my communication skills. This experience was invaluable in teaching me how to build professional relationships, which I'm sure will come in handy in the future.
In terms of work on The Paly Voice, my focus this semester shifted from writing stories to editing them. Because I started my position as a sports editor, I gave edits to my peers to refine and improve their stories. Editing allowed me to be more detail-oriented with AP Style corrections and grammar suggestions, which I enjoyed. Through this process, I was also able to see more of what other people were writing, which helped me feel closer with them.
Reflecting on how journalism has influenced my life, it's clear that it has been more than just a class. It has been a journey of personal growth, helping me to develop skills that extend far beyond the newsroom. From learning how to communicate professionally with a variety people to understanding how to work together as a team, journalism has equipped me with a toolkit for navigating the adult world.
As I look forward to next semester, I am excited to welcome the new staffers into our publication. I'm ready to impart upon them the skills and experiences that I've had during my time here, and I hope for more exciting stories and sports games ahead.
Major Reflection Spring 2023
Reflecting on my journey in journalism this semester, I can't help but appreciate the significant progression I have made since getting my first taste of journalism with Mr. Wilson. In the beginning, I honed my skills in various forms of storytelling, learning how to craft engaging narratives that captivate readers. Gradually, I picked up the fundamentals of journalism by studying instrumental court cases and familiarizing myself with our rights as journalists. This invaluable experience laid a strong foundation for my transition into a publication.
Joining The Paly Voice was a natural and exciting next step for me. What immediately drew me to this publication was its unwavering commitment to 24/7 fast reporting. I firmly believe that news should be delivered with timeliness and accuracy, and the opportunity to be part of a team delivering breaking news was exhilarating. Being at the forefront of unfolding events has been undeniably rewarding, instilling in me a deep sense of purpose and urgency. Journalists bear an inherent responsibility to provide the public with accurate and timely information, enabling them to navigate and understand an ever-changing world.
One of the prominent hurdles I encountered this semester was the challenge of publishing articles in a timely manner. There were instances when the editing process took longer than anticipated, resulting in unfinished stories. It was disheartening to invest time and effort into an article, only to have it go unpublished due to unforeseen delays. However, I have come to understand and appreciate the importance of the editing process in ensuring accuracy and maintaining the publication's high standards. Consequently, I have learned to enhance communication with my editors, emphasizing the significance of timely feedback to prevent the occurrence of incomplete stories.
Moreover, throughout this semester, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the professionalism demanded in journalism. As a representative of The Paly Voice and its dedicated staff, every article I write carries significant responsibility. The words I carefully choose, the information I present, and the tone I adopt all contribute to the reputation of the publication as a whole. This realization has underscored the importance of practicing comprehensive and ethical reporting, upholding the principles of fairness, accuracy, and accountability.
In conclusion, this semester has been a transformative period characterized by substantial growth, continuous learning, and a profound passion for journalism. From the solid foundation laid during my initial introduction to journalism to the dynamic and fast-paced environment of The Paly Voice, I have expanded my knowledge, sharpened my skills, and deepened my appreciation for the power of news. As I look towards the future, my aspiration is to assume a leadership role where I can utilize my experience to guide and support aspiring journalists. I hope to make a positive impact within the field, contributing to the growth and development of fellow journalists as we collectively strive to inform, inspire, and enlighten.