Editing, Leadership and Team Building
Before using the words “newspaper,” “extracurricular” or “class,” I would describe The Standard as a family. On The Standard, passion and obsession unites the team. From my first editorial position in Grade 10 where I coached a beginning staff writer on how to craft her first article, to now managing all of the online content and posting on the publication, I try to make every interaction with writers comfortable and easy – essentially familial.
My leadership in the publications room:
Rudi is the reason I know what type of journalist and leader I want to be for The Standard. Her work ethic is unmatched and the passion she has for the craft is something she brings without fail to each class, meeting, call and text. Her passion for high quality work makes everyone on the publication a better journalist. She is one of the most intelligent, eloquent and hard working people I know."
Rudi was assigned as my freshman year mentor and continues to set an example of what resilient and compassionate leadership looks like three years later. Rudi is organized and creative both inside and outside of the journalism room."
Rudi has been a joy to work with these past four years on The Standard. She is thoughtful in her reporting and beyond reliable when it comes to communicating with other editors and meeting her deadlines. This year, as the head of our digital publication, Rudi has led the staff with immense journalistic integrity and strong decision making skills. I think I speak for everyone when I say her dedication to The Standard is something to be admired."
Rudi has always been a phone call away whenever I’ve needed advice. On school nights, she’s spent hours of her time offloading knowledge and feedback to me. Her humility when offering me advice is something that stands out to me."
Rudi has been an incredible editor and mentor for me. She has helped me so much during my time on the Standard. She is always super approachable and nice to me and others. Rudi isn’t just a good journalist, but a great person."
Rudi's impact on me and our entire team cannot be overstated. Rudi’s exceptional character, outstanding leadership skills and dedication to journalistic excellence make her the epitome of an exemplary student journalist."
Effective communication and editing feedback
These are a few examples of the communication I have with my team. I try to make sure my communication is clear, concise and effectively relays my messaging. Click on each image to read my correspondence and a synopsis of the conversation.
Comprehensive editing
Below I've added an example of how I edited a story entitled "Students reflect on Premier League aspirations, balancing academics." I started by rearranging information for a powerful and objective lead. The unedited version could have read as though the reporter was giving their opinion rather than telling the stories of his interviewees. From there, I removed quotes that could be paraphrased, edited for AP style and ensured source attribution. While I love to tweak word choice and incorporate style into my writing, I try to implement a "don't fix what isn't broken" methodology to preserve the writer's voice. This piece later also won a Best of SNO after publishing.
Unedited version
Edited version
Positive comments
I still remember the compliments editors left on my articles in freshman year. For all reporters, positive feedback is a huge morale boost. That's why I spend time crafting messages of support. Here are just a few recent examples. Click on each part to expand the image and ready my comments.
Setting goals
At the beginning of December, I wanted to create space for each section to reflect and receive feedback on their progress with online content, editing and posting thus far. I provided a sign-up sheet outlining my goals for the meeting and then created a summary after each section meeting to help them identify their strengths and areas of improvement for the next semester.
Email correspondence with the EIC and my adviser on how to reconcile the issue with my section editor.
Mental health
Last year, as Lead Features Editor, I had to navigate a difficult situation with one of my section editors. I was finding it difficult to communicate with her, which was taking a toll on my other section editor, who had to assume much of the work. I worked with the EIC and adviser to put her on a break for a month, but it still seemed like she could not keep up with the workload.
I sent this email so we could all have an open dialogue regarding responsibilities, ultimately improving our communication and productivity during the second semester.
Informing budding publications
We came into contact with journalists at a local school named St. Augustine's Priory last year. With a budding journalism program, they were keen on understanding how we run an effective newsroom. They visited us in mid-November for a day filled with workshop activities.
Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Print Eden Leavey and I lead a presentation on writing styles, when budding journalists from the Veritas Times came to our workshop Nov. 14.
Keeping in touch
I continued to communicate with the Lead Editor, Olivia, and extended assistance they may need with their site. I also provided them with links to all of the documents and slideshows I provided for later reference. One of these activities is a story idea generation activity I did with my staff through word association. Many of the stories we brainstormed are currently being pursued by staff writers!
Team bonding
When I'm not running around the publications room, I like to take a moment to capture some photos with my team. Here are some of those moments:
