In my second year on staff, I’ve developed a much clearer appreciation for the journalism classroom in the basement. It’s a space that’s small, often too cold, and sometimes too hot, but it’s also where I’ve spent hours writing, editing, and working with the team to produce our publication.

When I started as a first-year photo staffer, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I was getting into. I figured I’d learn to use a camera, write a few articles, and go from there. But what I didn’t expect was how much the experience would challenge me to grow—not just as a journalist, but as part of a team.

I didn’t exactly feel like I belonged on my first day. I walked in, looked around, and realized that most of the people there had more experience than I did. They knew the ropes, had built relationships with local businesses, and seemed to have a solid grasp of what needed to be done. I was still trying to figure out the difference between aperture and ISO. It felt like I was behind before I even started.

But over time, I figured out that it wasn’t about being perfect from the start. Journalism, particularly on a school publication, is about learning as you go, asking questions, and being open to feedback. By my second semester, I started to get the hang of things. My photos improved, my writing got stronger, and I began to understand how all the pieces fit together. I still had a lot to learn, but the longer I stayed, the more comfortable I became with the process.

Now, as a second-year PR staffer, my role has changed quite a bit. I’m no longer just focused on improving my photography skills or writing better articles; I’m now helping to manage outreach, promote the publication to an outside audience, and learn more about our different sections. I’ve also taken on new responsibility when it comes to writing press releases and doing more social media for the publication. PR is less about the immediate impact of one article and more about building lasting relationships with the community. It’s a different skill set, but it’s something I’ve gotten more comfortable with as I’ve learned the ins and outs of it.

One thing I’ve learned this year is how much teamwork matters. It’s easy to look at a finished article or photo and think that it’s all about individual effort, but the reality is that the work we produce wouldn’t be the same without collaboration. Whether it’s working with editors to refine my writing, coordinating with photo staff to get the right shots, or reaching out to local businesses for support, it’s the combined effort that makes everything come together.

There are still moments of self-doubt, of course. I’m still learning how to balance my PR responsibilities with my personal development as a writer and photographer. But I no longer feel out of place in the classroom. I understand the value of feedback and don’t hesitate to ask for help when I need it. I’ve learned how to use the tools I have—whether it’s a camera, a computer, or my voice—to tell stories that are worth telling. And I’m more comfortable with the idea that every piece of work is a chance to improve, not a final product that defines my skill.

When I look around the classroom now, I don’t focus on the awards or the accomplishments from past years. Instead, I focus on what’s next: what story we’re going to tell, what skills we’re going to improve, and what we can do better. As a second-year PR staffer, I’m not an expert, but I know where I fit in and what I still need to work on. And that’s exactly what I plan to do: keep improving, keep learning, and keep telling stories that matter.