So, Monday, Jan. 26 there were some eighth graders at the high school for orientation. Like many clubs and departments, we had a journalism booth at the event. In the spirit of eighth graders signing up for classes, here is my quick pitch about why to take journalism.

Back when I was an eighth grader, I decided that I would at least hear the journalism department out at orientation. I was interested in what I saw, and decided to take Mass Communications. Mass Communications was actually a  fun class. I was shocked to find out that there were actual, real people in the class, but I still wasn’t sure if I was going to join any of the staffs.

When signing up for classes rolled around in January, I didn’t sign up for journalism. That was one of the worst decisions that I have ever made. Luckily, one of my good friends was on the Lance staff and convinced me to join at semester. That was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

So, why was it one of the best decisions that I have ever made? Let’s see: It’s fun, I’ve learned a lot about writing, I’ve grown as a writer, I’ve learned a ton of new skills and, oh yeah, I get to commentate on live athletic events. It is as cool as it sounds (and if it doesn’t sound cool, it’s way cooler than it sounds).

But the other thing that journalism has done for me is making it easy to accomplish a task with a group of people. No organization can produce a newspaper, yearbook or website with only one person. No, they need a group of people that are trusted to get their part done, and that is what Westside journalism is: a group of students who produce the best journalism in the state.

Now, you may be thinking, “I’m not a writer. There is no place for me on the journalism staff. Actually, in journalism, we have needs for photographers, designers, commentators and many more jobs that writing is not involved in. This does not mean that you will not write; everybody does. But you can focus on something that interests you as a person. Also, there is an entire section of the journalism program that does not write at all. WTV is Warrior Television, and they produce videos and a news show.

There is something for everyone in journalism, and if you want to be sure, check out all the publications we have. Scroll up to the publications tab and look at all the past work we have done in the journalism hallway. Also, follow us on Twitter @westsidewired for all the latest Westside news. And one more thing: take Mass Communications, Intro to Video and Web or Photo Journalism and join a staff as soon as you can!