Before June 21, I had never been to St. Louis and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from a city that was best known for an oversized arch. My doubts as far as the city itself were equal to my doubts of the five-year-old journalism program Ethan (editor-in-chief), Matthew (social media editor), Mrs. Forgette (our wonderful adviser), and I were set to attend, but like most things in St. Louis during this time, my doubts soon melted away. (It was hot. Like really hot outside.)
During our three days at Media Now STL it’s safe to say that my journalistic skills were sharpened and my eyes were greatly opened. The camp was held on Maryville University’s beautiful campus (which is where Anne Marie McDurmon (‘15) will be attending in the fall, go Saints!) and served as not only a media seminar, but also somewhat of a college – trial experience.
I attended the “Writing on a Deadline” course, which was exactly what it sounds like. Although my classmates and I were made to juggle many, many different assignments, the stress and the extra time that had to be put in was all worth it in the end. I found it refreshing to be surrounded by 20 or so other kids, who by choice in the middle of their summer wanted to put in the work, and constantly strived for a product better than their last.
In three short days, everyone in my class interviewed several different people, completed beat reports, wrote features on our class guest Devon Cahill from the band “Letter to Memphis,” packaged multimedia projects concerning aspects of teen life, and studied the art of story-telling. It was up to every individual in my class to manage their time and in turn learn more about who they truly were. I was simply given an outline of what was to be done, along with tips on how to do these things. I was never spoon-fed information, but had to dig for myself. My Media Now instructors and peers inspired me to not only go above and beyond for myself, but to do the same for others when possible.
Media Now STL was most definitely not all work without any play. There were trivia nights (my team was robbed of our victory, but whatever, RICE KRISPIES ALL DAY), flag football games, superhero contests, surprise prize dumpings, ping pong battles, foam parties, and everything a kid away from home could possibly need to feel comfortable. Media Now STL not only brought me closer to my Darlington yearbook and newspaper staff, but also gave me the chance to make friends who I would have never met otherwise. I entered St. Louis worried about the city’s construction smell and dirty sidewalks, but I left with a greater appreciation for journalism and friends for life (shout-out to the Squad: Christine, Hannah #1, Juju, Hannah #2, Liv, and Lane).
