Throughout my education I've learned to adopt a journalistic approach to writing.
I took my first journalism course as a freshman in high school and continued that interest for the remaining three years. I became a staff writer and later editor. I spent a considerable amount of time writing, editing, designing, and gathering other matirial for my section. The experience taught me a lot about deadlines, working under pressure, and the joy that comes when your content is published.
In college I chose to study communication and writing was a key element to nearly all of my courses. I also spent a little time as a staff member of The Scroll, BYU-Idaho's student newspaper.
After-school programs are organized classes provided free to students K-12. Students stay after school and participate in a variety of activities including sports, crafts, help with homework, as well as take time to develop specific skills.
Students involved with this new practicum begin by first assisting after-school program teachers in their classes; later in the semester, students will be expected to lead their own classes.
“I'm excited. It will be a really good experience. I've never done anything like this before,” said Ashley Abegglen, a senior majoring in child development, participating in the program.
Both the community and volunteers can benefit from this type of a program. Volunteers receive experience to facilitate their learning while the school districts benefit from the additional help.
Like any new program, it has its difficulties. BYU-I does not have the same academic schedule as local school districts. That affects the schools mostly at the end of semesters and near breaks where some students may not be available to work.
Despite some of the difficulties students and employees are hopeful and still see the benefit that such a practicum could offer. Lisa Jackson, site coordinator of Kennedy Elementary School's After School program said regarding the practicum, “It can be very beneficial for ensuring stability.”
According to a 2002-2003 school year survey conducted by the After School Alliance, 23 percent of Idaho's K-12 students are responsible for taking care of themselves after school. After-school programs aim to provide these students with uplifting activities, keeping them active and safe.
Title: Local school district 321's After School program is now receiving additional help from a new BYU-Idaho practicum program.
Date: Oct 2, 2007
Description: This was a news story I wrote for The Scroll. It was published Oct 2, 2007.
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