The Upstart

Instructor Brian Wilson shares his enthusiasm about upcoming yearbook themes. | Photo by Azja Stroud

A classroom full of leaders hunch over their desks jotting down ten ways to describe their school. Future Editor-In-Chief’s prepare for the nearing school year, brainstorming ideas, planning covers and creating themes for their upcoming book.

“We try to cover a whole bunch of different ideas, there’s no exact focus here.” Brian Wilson, the class’s instructor, said.

The MIPA students learning tips and tricks in Kedzie Hall described their pride in yearbook similarly to falling in love.

Jacob Baotolotta from Woodhamen High School on joining yearbook, “I really liked it, I fell in love with the class.”

It’s no secret that passion is what’s driving these students. Publications only thrive with the hard work and interest put forth by the students involved- without them there would be no production.

These students bathe in photo spreads and captions, but what sets them apart is that this isn’t a chore, but more so a guilty pleasure. The main goal for the students is not only wanting their book to stand out, but to produce something their peers treasure.

“I really like how we get to create something people get to keep as a memory.” Jenna Vanloon from Oxford High School said.

The Yearbook Editor-In-Chief workshop wouldn’t have the same momentum if there wasn’t the hands on involvement and praise guided by their instructor.

“Having a really bad idea is a million times better than having no idea” Brian Wilson said to further encourage his class.

There is a tangible feeling here,and it’s something much stronger than just publication preparation.The combination of the MIPA staff and students on Michigan State campus doing something they each cherish has created an undeniable aura of passion.

About Azja Stroud

Azja Stroud is an upcoming senior at Romeo High School, where she will serve as the Online Editor for Romeo's newspaper- RNews, after previously being the paper's Opinion Section Editor. With a vibrant streak of enthusiasm for both journalism and creative writing she is excited to be apart of the MIPA Upstart staff this summer. At this point, detaching the ballpoint pen and notebook from her hands will only take place if they're surgically removed. Looking for a moment to moment update on her life? Follow her Twitter; @ozzystro

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