Don’t hate me for doing my job

bethHi, I am Beth Johnson and I am a reporter and section editor for the Cry of the Hawk newspaper. I am an aspiring journalist and I take my job seriously.

I have taken three years of journalism. Though I do not know everything about communications, I do know one thing; each article needs a North Harford connection — and that’s where you come in. There is a large chance that you have been interviewed at least once in your high school career and there is an even greater chance that your response to any question that was asked was ‘I don’t know, just make it up.’

Here’s a news flash… We can’t make it up. In fact, it’s unethical.  So as journalists, we appreciate students and staff who take time to give us thoughtful and usable responses.   So, at this time I would like to send a shoutout to all the teachers who are incredibly understanding and supportive of our journalistic ambitions.

To those teachers, we thank you. Thank you for your in-depth responses, your willingness to allow us to pass out surveys or to interview a student.  Thank you for supporting our production of the newspaper. To these teachers, take our knock at your door as a compliment. It’s because you are supportive, kind, and flexible that we’re here.

Sometimes there is a great chance that we have exhausted every other way of getting ahold of that specific student short of following them home.  Please know we feel awful about repeatedly interrupting your class but we know that you will rarely turn us down,  yell or criticize.

We realize that sometimes our interruptions are not welcome and they are less than opportune, and for that I do apologize.  We appreciate when you offer us a polite response and an alternative when a more appropriate time would be to come back much more than leaving your room feeling mortified and embarrassed about knocking on your door in the first place.

I am not sure the general population at our school knows what it takes to do what we do.  This class is a business. It is run by our boss, Mrs. Chandler, who holds us to high standards.  Our production schedule is demanding.   We have deadlines, deadlines that determine our grade and our ability to create productions that are designed to benefit and inform you, the staff and the community at large.

One last thing, our entire staff, especially editors, consist of some incredibly responsible students. So when it comes to press week and we may ask to leave class a few minutes early, know that we aren’t just dipping out of your class — we need every minute of time to work in the most stressful week of the month. And trust me, we have also been working tirelessly before school, after school and every spare minute in between.

This column might sound like I am complaining about journalism — don’t misunderstand.  I have become a better writer and more confident individual as a result of this class. I have learned how to deal with some stressful situations and deadlines. I have met some lifelong friends and we, as a journalism staff, are a family.

We do our best to be fair, accurate, and balanced in our reporting and we understand the responsibility and criticism that comes with our job.  Mrs.Chandler has taught us that we can’t control how people will react to what we write, but that we have to know how to appropriately respond to both positive and sometimes negative feedback. We would encourage students who are interested in developing their voice  to consider joining our team, if they are up to the challenge.  We also encourage those who are critical and/or complimentary of our coverage to write a letter to the editor so that your voice will not go unheard.

In the mean time, stop by room D208 and see us in action.  You won’t be disappointed.  We’re good, really good, so consider yourselves lucky– you are home to the most prestigious newspaper in HCPS. You should be thanking us for keeping you cultured, informed and aware. You’re welcome.