This year, we have some pretty amazing and memorable seniors leaving our Messenger staff. For this year’s senior story, I asked them to write advice that they have for incoming Messengers.
Every year, it is a tradition to write a senior story highlighting the seniors of the year. This year. We have one of the biggest numbers of seniors leaving our staff to go onto bigger and better things.
“Hello! My name is Eli Frommes and I am the digital editor for the newspaper. I have been in the newspaper for all four years of high school, and if I have learned anything it’s that if you do not meet your deadline you are so screwed you fall behind very fast. Also try to do your story ahead of time, but I have found that some of my best stories are the ones I crank out last minute before the deadline. If I had to give one piece of advice it’s that in this class get out of your comfort zone. Interview the people you are scared to interview, and if it’s someone like a congressman you never know if they will accept an interview until you ask. Some of the best stories are the ones where staff exited their comfort zone. They are also often the ones that get a best of SNO. Do not be afraid your pen is a sword that people are afraid of. Take it up and write the stories that are scary to write. Be the best journalist you can.” – Eli Frommes, digital editor
“My advice to anyone considering joining the Messenger is to put yourself out there and to not be scared. From someone who was originally scared to do interviews, one thing I’ve learned is you just get better by doing them, and it takes some time to get used to it. I’ll also say to get your assignments done on time, as deadlines do eventually catch up to you, but in the end just have fun.” – Hunter Blake, sports editor
“Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries. There are stories that need to be told that won’t fit inside ‘the box’ that some folks seem to think student journalism is. Never ever be afraid to speak the truth, or seek the truth by any means necessary. No matter what anyone tells you, the ‘student’ in front of ‘student journalist’ is just the fine print. You are a JOURNALIST. Carry yourself with respect, obligation, professionalism and don’t ever let anyone make you afraid of speaking your mind. Just, make sure you back it up with a source, kay?” – Gabe Santos, opinions editor
“The advice I have for anyone who is, or who is thinking of taking a newspaper is to make sure you turn your work in. It seems like stupid, busy work but it does sort of matter. Erbach really cares, and the work in class isn’t that hard, as long as you stay on top of it’s hard to fail.” – Beth Brackmenn, A&E editor
“My advice to incoming messenger kids is to come in with an open mind. Kids from all different backgrounds and hobbies join the newspaper and come together to create a family. You belong, everyone does!” – Lily Adams, editor in chief.
“My advice for incoming messengers is don’t be afraid to take a big risk and write about something you enjoy and make the time worth it. You may think it’s gonna feel like a long time but before you know it you’ll be graduating and you’ll miss everyone. The messenger taught me so much about writing and it is my way too. It’s honestly such a good place to be and I miss the messenger and the people.” – Tate Bartelson, staff writer
“Hi I’m Maddie Canada! I’m a senior who has been freelancing photos for the McHenry Messenger since my freshman year. I also became a TA for a newspaper for my last semester of senior year. My advice is to anyone who enjoys taking photos or creating media. Just do it. Get involved and talk to others in the Messenger because it’s such a fun opportunity to expand your creative ideas and skills.” – Maddie Canada, editorial assistant.
“Hello I’m Kaylie Szczepanik! I’m a senior who’s been on the McHenry Messenger team for one year as the social media manager and a teacher assistant for Newspaper. What I learned from this class is that as long as you enjoy writing or possibly taking/drawing photos then this class is for you! Even if you feel like you’re not the best writer, you should still take the class! It is more than just a class that you can take. It’s a place where you can be yourself and feel supported.” – Kaylie Szczpanik, social media manager.
“Stay true to your reporting process no matter what. Sometimes people may disagree with your reporting process, or the angle you take on a story, but the biggest thing is trusting yourself to make the right call and keeping strong on your stance. Never feel bad for reporting the truth. People will inevitably get upset at what you report, stay respectful, but always state the truth.” – Ethan Rasmussen, staff writer.