Journalism is a career of experience, so opportunities that offer expertise and information are great for aspiring journalists.
Members of Lakeland’s student journalism program had the opportunity to travel to Seattle for the Spring 2025 Journalism Education Association conference.
The conference gave students across the country the opportunity to interact with one another, share their work and learn from each other. The classes were run by selected students and advisers.
Student journalists were able to gain information about real-world skills, from starting freelance work and reporting on natural disasters to applying leadership in the newsroom.
These students learn many things that will benefit them in their future careers in a fun, educational environment.
“Going to conventions like this can be extremely beneficial for both students and educators such as myself,” Lakeland journalism adviser Michael Dunn said. “Not only was it an educational experience, but it was a really fun trip.”
The journalism foundation offered several classes that students and advisers got to choose from based on their interests and what they would like to learn. There were classes for leadership and organization, yearbook layouts, portfolio setups, photography and specific journalism fields such as environmental journalism, news writing and sports coverage.
“I had the privilege to go to sessions that were solely focused on my passions and it taught me a lot about the fields I love to write in,” Rebekah Lewis, Senior at LHS said, “I got to learn how to advance my review writing from a review writer for the Seattle Times and ask questions and engage with like-minded journalists.”
Dunn had the opportunity as the Idaho State Director of the JEA to give a presentation, “Keep Your Knees Bent,” where he explained the importance of flexibility in the newsroom and learning from your mistakes.
“I really enjoyed the speech I gave,” Dunn said. “And the Mariners game was awesome too.”
Along with learning from the convention, the journalism group was immersed in the city culture of Seattle as they visited the Space Needle, the Aquarium and a Seattle Mariners Baseball game.
Experiencing the culture of Seattle was just as educational and interesting as the JEA convention was for many students. From the Space Needle to the gum wall, Seattle has a lot to offer.
“Not only did I learn on this trip, I was able to get out of school and spend time with my fellow editors and journalists,” Lewis explained, “It’s hard to bond when you are often in a tension filled classroom so getting out and getting to walk around Seattle together and do all these fun experiences and learn a lot about the people I surround myself with everyday made me feel really lucky.”
When putting together fun and education, it is important to have a well balanced itinerary. By following the planned times that Dunn had established, the journalism group was able to accomplish sightseeing as well as attend quality, educational events.
Students each had different takeaways based on the classes they attended.
“My biggest takeaway was to never give up and to keep pushing for what you want,” LHS junior Teagan Patrick said.
Additionally, students had the opportunity to be recognized for their journalistic accomplishments. Co-Editor-In-Chief Aly Caywood received the Idaho State Journalist of the Year Award at the conference.
“I think it was a great opportunity,” Caywood said. “Its incredible to be offered an award like that.”
Now that the convention is over, the attending students and advisors are able to take the information they learned and apply it to the classroom. Taking new perspectives and ideas can help the journalism and yearbook programs run more smoothly and creatively.
