Many hands make lighter work, even if those hands belong to a student learner eager for some experience in journalism.
My name is Emily Bowen, a Grade 13 student with plenty of questions about my future. Writing is a big interest of mine, and I do a lot of it as a hobby, so I decided to get some personal experience to see if writing could become more than just something I do in my free time. The best way to get that insight was to apply for a co-op here at Herald-Times, a wonderful community newspaper.
There are a few things people know me well for, including my knack for drawing and my huge interest in all things considered “nerdy.” I think of myself as an artist, including drawing, writing and even cooking, since there’s a big majority of people who say cooking is an art. While I’m no master chef, I do know how to cook salmon pretty well without poisoning someone, which is always a bonus.
A lot of my time in the past was spent camping or scouting, which are practically one in the same. I really enjoy the outdoors, though I know I’d like it a lot better if it had less bugs. Because of scouting, I have a love for travelling and seeking out new adventures in new places.
Out of my hobbies though, creative writing is one I do with the most passion. While I do enjoy a good outing, just being in a peaceful place to create art is my preference. Storyboarding always excites me, no matter if I’m writing a little fiction or researching to write about an event that interests me. My grandmother is the reason I find so much interest in community events, she always taught me there’s excitement to find in local stories.
Co-op will be a wonderful experience, and I even know a friend who has done one here as well. I’m more than excited for my time here and getting to know how things work in an office such as this, and learning the ropes of journalism and editing stories. This experience will really help me figure out what I’m going to pursue as a future career.
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Emily Bowen is the Walkerton Herald-Times’ co-op student.