Journalism, the one and only program at Woodland that informs on news, runs podcasts, broadcasts the latest on sports, and creates content for the Hawk Headlines social media, relies on the levels within the program to maintain its success and organization.

As a journalist, the first semester, you will start at level 101, meaning you will learn the basics of the program and complete lessons such as equipment, writing and editing, and how to make a podcast. The next semester, students will be considered a 102. This is where journalists will be given a little more freedom and the opportunity to choose the style of Journalism that they find most interesting . The more semesters they take, the higher level they will be, the highest being a 402. The 402s are seniors who have taken the class all eight semesters of high school. These 402s are the most dedicated and have a passion for Journalism. Many of whom have left behind some advice for the 101s, as they prepare to leave high school.

“When you first start the program it can be a little overwhelming and there’s a lot to do,” Zachary Drewy, a current 402 and the broadcast director, said. “You have to find what you want to do and stick with it.”

Journalists can find their passion in writing (news, lifestyle, and sports), broadcasting, podcasting, editing other’s work, video’s, photography and creating social media content. Drewy’s main role as a director of broadcasting is teaching the 101’s how to broadcast and making sure broadcasts get coverage.

“[Journalism] was originally just put on my schedule, but I really started to enjoy it and dropped other classes to join journalism my next semester,” said Drewy.

Any upcoming 101 should know that Journalism overall can be an easy class, as long as you are putting in the work.

“Journalism is about making friends, working together while creating memories, and [constructing] great stories,” Lexi Landrigan, another 402 and current Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok (S.I.F.T.T) director, said.

“Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone, because you might find what you truly like to do and find your passion,” Jessica DAniello, video director said.

“Try everything once in journalism, try doing sift posts, podcasts, photos, and stories. You may not be good starting out but you will find what you like,” Abby Messina, photo director said.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out to people aggressively, because it’s hard to get interviews and it can halt stories. You can ask Amato who can get interviews, any 402s can get people you will need,” Olivia Sullivan, the news director said.

At first being a 101 may be scary, and it could be difficult to ask directors questions, but all the directors all appreciate any questions or pitches, and are all willing to help any newcomers. Communication is key when it comes to finishing stories on time and getting the media out to the community.