Journalism plays a crucial role in society – informing the public, shining a light on stories that often go unnoticed and highlighting important events and issues. At Becton Regional High School, we explore the perspectives of our journalism students, delving into the skills they value, their motivations, and the impactful stories they aspire to share.
Becton Regional High School Alumna, Victoria Hernandez-Garcia, had been part of the Cat’s Eye View for three years where she served as a two-time Co-Editor in Chief. During her time as a journalism student, she immerseed herself in various aspects of journalism, including interviewing and editing. Initially considering a career in nursing, she discovered her true passion for journalism and decided to pursue it in college after graduating with the Class of 2024.
Senior Rose Padovano took her first journalism class her sophomore year, and has returned for her senior year. From the start, she carved out a niche in reporting on school events such as tournaments, fundraisers, and other activities that connect the Becton community. Though she plans to become an English teacher, she recognizes the value of her journalism experience as stepping stones to her career.
Padovano recongizes how her time in journalism has helped her grow. For instance, writing for an audience improved her communication skills, taught her how to adjust her writing style, and showed her the value of sharing different perspectives. She believes these skills will help her as a teacher, especially in helping students express themselves and appreciate the power of words.
Senior Purvaja Srinivasan began her journalism journey at BRHS during her junior year and has continued to build on her passion in her senior year. Her experience in journalism inspired her to enroll in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Summer Journalism Workshop, where she honed her skills in writing various types of articles, mastering their style and format. Srinivasan’s time at the workshop expanded her perspective, introducing her to the wide range of topics and formats journalism encompasses. Looking ahead, she plans to continue writing, emphasizing that success in the field doesn’t always require a journalism degree.
Julia Bubendorf, a senior, is gaining hands-on experience through two internships focused on journalism. Her coursework has expanded her understanding of the field, allowing her to explore a range of topics from editorials to personal narratives. A dedicated member of Cat’s Eye View for three years, she is currently serving her second term as Co-Editor-in-Chief.
Bubendorf expresses that when she graduates, she wants to continue writing and developing her skills in journalism. Her internships at the School of Rock and Jones Strategy & Consulting Group highlight her dedication. At the School of Rock, she writes monthly newsletters and opinion pieces for their website. For Jones Strategy, she is responsible for crafting emails and writing press releases for upcoming events and articles. Bubendorf is gaining valuable experience in writing through her internships, which will help her pursue a career in journalism in the future.
Olivia Busa has been writing and editing for the Cat’s Eye View for three years, currently a senior, and fulfilling a Co-Editor-in-Chief position. She mentions, “I mostly have worked on articles specific to the Becton community, such as sports articles or student features. I enjoy covering Becton stories as it keeps me more engaged with our school community.”
Despite her enjoyment, Busa notes, “I do not plan on studying journalism, although it has been a big part of my high school career. I do enjoy writing for the Cat’s Eye View, but my career interests align more with the legal profession.” Nonetheless, Busa’s three years with Cat’s Eye View have equipped her with essential skills for a legal career, including effective communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail. Covering Becton community stories has sharpened her research and writing abilities, while her role as Co-Editor-in-Chief highlights her leadership and collaboration skills—qualities that are invaluable in the legal field.
These students agree that certain skills are vital for success in journalism. Hernandez-Garcia emphasizes adaptability and communication, stating, “In today’s ever-changing world, being able to adjust to different situations is crucial.” Srinivasan believes curiosity is fundamental, “It drives journalists to explore human interests deeply,” she says, adding that research, fact-checking, writing and editing skills are also essential. Padovano adds, “Showing passion for a story makes your writing more engaging and impactful. It’s what draws readers in.” Busa also highlights the importance of communication, stating, “Definitely writing, reading, and most importantly communication. You will need to talk to many different people of all backgrounds, ages, etc., so being able to confidently communicate is key.”
Journalism offers unique experiences for each individual. Hernandez-Garcia is getting comfortable with photography and AP style captions during her time in college. Padovano’s experiences include covering school events, while Srinivasan has tackled a broad range of topics, from faculty updates to environmental issues. Busa has worked on a range of pieces, but stays true to working on student and activity spotlights. She shares, “I learned that I enjoy writing, and it almost comes natural to me. I like to listen to others and have the opportunity to let others tell their perspectives and stories through my writing.”
The role of journalism for Hernandez-Garcia reflects on the often-unseen role of journalism, acknowledging the hard work and dedication it requires. She expresses a desire to be a voice for underrepresented stories. Srinivasan and Bubendorf agree, stating that journalism serves to keep the public informed and combat misinformation. Similarly, when asked about the role of journalism in society, Busa says, “Journalism is everything around us. Stories are being told every day, whether that be on social media sites, news channels, or even here on the Cat’s Eye View. Journalism helps us to stay informed and connect with those around us.”
The perspectives shared by these journalism students highlight the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and passion in their field. As they navigate their experiences and plan for the future, they acknowledge the vital role journalism plays in society. Their commitment to storytelling is evident in their work with Cat’s Eye View, where they bring important stories to light and engage with the Becton community—efforts that will undoubtedly influence their future careers!
