Corridors was a student led newspaper at my school which was led by a friend of mine. I was a writer and editor for the newspaper and the entire process mainly required demonstrating my strengths and identifying my weakness to better improve upon them.
LO1:
When I initially joined the school newsletter team, I had a passion for writing but limited experience. Identifying my strengths became a crucial first step. I realized that my ability to generate strong ideas was my forte. However, I needed to develop my writing style, grammar, and overall framing of my thoughts. Through CAS, I found that my creative imagination was my greatest asset. By honing my writing skills, I was able to channel this strength into my articles and poems. Identifying my areas for growth helped me set clear goals for improvement.
LO2:
Challenges are an integral part of growth, and my CAS experience as a writer and editor was no exception. One of the most significant challenges I faced was tackling other fellow writers and helping them produce good quality pieces. Each type of student required a different type of aid. Some fell behind in grammar, some were having a hard time framing their thoughts while some suffered an overall slump while writing (including me). This journey allowed me to develop valuable skills in research, editing, and communicating with my team. Another prevalent challenge was meeting the deadlines for school as well as written pieces. Tackling academics and writing simultaneously made me realise the significance of staying organized and managing time.
LO4:
There were moments of frustration when writer’s block struck, and deadlines neared. However, I learned to push through the challenges, often seeking inspiration from unexpected sources for my pieces. The experience taught me that setbacks are opportunities for growth. With each obstacle to overcome, I became a more resilient and skilled writer/editor. This also taught me to be persistent since it was important to publish a new edition within my deadline and helping other students manufacture pieces which satisfied their standards.
In conclusion, my CAS experience as a writer in the school newsletter has been a memorable journey. It has made me develop the IB learner profile attribute ‘communicator’ and helped me work upon ‘eslf management skills’. It has allowed me to identify my strengths, develop new skills and embark on new challenges. Through this creative journey, I’ve not only grown as a writer but also as an individual who is ready to face any future challenges with determination and a creative spirit.