Summer Workshop Reflection
Written by Scott Helfrich
Pingree School
Grade 12
This is the place where I belong. I arrived scared, worried due to my lack of experience in journalism. Meeting my group the first night, we launched into team-building games. We learned about each other in an effort to build a comfort level with our new group. Pleasantly surprised, I gained confidence in myself on the first night that has carried me through this workshop. The next day we began by being lectured in a series of seminars. Some were interesting while others were directed towards the finer points of grammar and writing. I was surprised by the in-depth nature of the teachers. I had never experienced a class where teachers were so passionate and dedicated to their students. The photography instructor, Mr. Goetz, especially got through to me, instilling in me courage to take up-close pictures. I now hope to take up some form of photography in college. He inspired me to take my photography seriously. I now hope to study photography at Auburn University, something that I never thought I would say. I came to this workshop with no interest in journalism, only a passion for sports. Now I will leave this workshop with an open mind and a new interest in photography. Hopefully I will end up at Auburn University one day. This seminar has changed me forever by altering my views on life. I will now strive to try new things and get outside of my comfort zone.
Pingree School
Grade 12
This is the place where I belong. I arrived scared, worried due to my lack of experience in journalism. Meeting my group the first night, we launched into team-building games. We learned about each other in an effort to build a comfort level with our new group. Pleasantly surprised, I gained confidence in myself on the first night that has carried me through this workshop. The next day we began by being lectured in a series of seminars. Some were interesting while others were directed towards the finer points of grammar and writing. I was surprised by the in-depth nature of the teachers. I had never experienced a class where teachers were so passionate and dedicated to their students. The photography instructor, Mr. Goetz, especially got through to me, instilling in me courage to take up-close pictures. I now hope to take up some form of photography in college. He inspired me to take my photography seriously. I now hope to study photography at Auburn University, something that I never thought I would say. I came to this workshop with no interest in journalism, only a passion for sports. Now I will leave this workshop with an open mind and a new interest in photography. Hopefully I will end up at Auburn University one day. This seminar has changed me forever by altering my views on life. I will now strive to try new things and get outside of my comfort zone.