Portfolio 2011 Stephanie Garcia
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Portfolio 2011 Stephanie Garcia
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STEPHANIE GARCIA 4431 Yachtmans Court Orlando, Florida 32812 Stephanieolivia.garcia@gmail.com (407) 371-8503 May 27, 2010 Renee Burke Head of Journalism Department Boone Publications 2000 S. Mills Avenue Orlando, FL 32806 Dear Ms. Burke: Currently, Boone Publications is selecting able staffers for various editor positions in preparation for the coming school year. Perhaps, Hi-lights newspaper is recruiting the strength of someone who can contribute creative ideas to the fore front, work independently, and comprehend the importance of teamwork. If these are the qualifications, then please accept the accompanying resume for your review and consideration for the index editor position in which these talents and varied abilities will be an asset to the publication. As a current staff member of Hi-lights, I effectively wrote and reviewed stories, assisted in the design of various news articles, and aided my fellow colleagues in their story development. With a distinct knowledge of writing and design, I am capable of working with other staffers on diverse material and contributing to the success of the overall paper. As an organized and efficient individual, I display a passionate work ethic to produce the best publication possible. On a more personal level, I enjoy incorporating students of different mediums into the publication to not only increase readership but diversify the target audience. As a good listener and quick learner, I would be an ideal candidate for the index editor position. This leadership opportunity will widen my knowledge of a profession I aspire to pursue in the future. Although the succeeding document deeply illustrates my background, I feel the resume would not do as much justice without scheduling a personal interview. I am available at your earliest convenience and would appreciate the opportunity to meet you in person. Thank you for your review and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Respectfully yours,
Stephanie Garcia Enclosed resume
STEPHANIE GARCIA 4431 Yachtmans Court Orlando, Florida 32812 Stephanieolivia.garcia@gmail.com (407) 371-8503 OBJECTIVE To obtain further knowledge on the design and writing aspects of Journalism through an editor or leadership position EDUCATION Completed three years at William R. Boone High School Graduation date: May 2012 G.P.A 3.6; Top 11% of class EXPERIENCE Newspaper Staff Member, William R. Boone High School • August 2010-Present Experience developing news articles, being a team player, taking pictures, and working independently Student Mentor, Passport Charter School • January 2010-March 2011 Assisted students from first to third grade with various classroom and homework assignments Volunteer Work Project Xmas, 2009; Green Up Boone, 2009-2011; Summer School Counselor, 2010; Shirt Off Your Back Fundraiser, 2010-2011; Spanish Tutor, 2010-2011; American Cancer Society Relay For Life, (committee member) 2010-2011 RELEVANT HIGH SCHOOL STUDIES Spanish I, II, III; Journalism I; English Honors I; English Honors Gifted II; AP Language and Composition, Newspaper HONORS, AWARDS, AND MEMBERSHIPS • Spanish Club, 2009-2010; Secretary of Spanish Honors Society, 2011 • Index Editor of Hi lights newspaper, 2011 • Writing Center Consultant, 2011 In-lunch tutoring center that assists high school students with writing assignments • Florida Scholastic Press Association: All Florida Award State recognition of outstanding achievements in journalism • Varsity Cross Country, 2009-Present; Most Improved Runner 2010 • Drama Club, 2009-2010; Costume crew member for Steel Magnolias, 2010
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Personal essay
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As magazines and newspapers go viral, journalism is seen as more of a dying profession. However, I view journalism as an exciting career, an investigative field appealing to anyone craving an honest opinion or seeking the truth. My sophomore year in J1 only intensified my love for writing. Tackling a new form of expressing myself was challenging yet rewarding. The following year when I became a staff member, I was responsible for submitting stories to my editors, being organized on the weeks leading up to press day, and making sure my writing was clear and concise. While the style of writing took time to adjust to, journalism has made me a more mature and confident writer. This fulfilling experience has given me the opportunity to challenge myself in a job-like environment and learn the importance of professional representation
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Self-analytical
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Being a part of publications this year, I realized how highly essential teamwork is. The paper would not be the success it is without the cooperation and creative abilities of every member on staff. I have learned the role that design plays in drawing readers attention and to always be mindful of the target audience. I realized that many elements bring the paper together and that each person helps one another in some capacity. Deadlines have given me a glimpse of a professional working environment. I have learned the significance of self-discipline and gained more experience on working independently. When reflecting on selling ads this summer, I realize the importance of funding and gained more confidence when speaking to adults on a professional level. Finally, newspaper has instilled in me a greater work ethic . On staff, I learned to manage my time, take constructive criticism, and be a team player. Newspaper has given me numerous lessons that I will take with me throughout my life. These skills can be applied in nearly every field of study or type of profession I choose to take up in the future.
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My most significant piece of work is the article I wrote on Jeremy Brown, “Alumni Gains New Perspective.” At first, it was intimidating writing a story on a sport I was unfamiliar with. But soon, an aspect of Jeremy’s story appealed to me; the inspiring element of his perseverance and determination became the focus of my story. Though this was not my first sports story, interviewing a top player for the Gators, not just an everyday high school student, taught me the importance of professionalism and representing oneself respectively. Compared to my first sports story, I was definitely more comfortable with being on staff. I grew some tough skin in that short amount of time and realized that constructive criticism was a positive aspect of writing. This time around, I had a clearer idea of what was expected of me. I learned how to get straight to the point and how to incorporate statistics into my story. From then on, I met every deadline and felt more relaxed with the final product. To me, this story represents my improvement, how I had grown as a writer and as a person.
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J.V Briefs isn’t meant to be a story of high caliber, but I feel a few adjustments could be made. The problem is not as much in the manner of writing; the story would’ve been less of a challenge for me if I had prior knowledge of writing sports stories. Compared to my other articles, the final product for J.V Briefs is poorly written and lacks the flow of my succeeding stories. For instance, my later article “Injury gives alumni new perspective” was a better representation of my writing skills, because I had previous knowledge of the writing style. On the weeks leading up to press day, the number of resubmits discouraged me at times. It was a combination of misused quotes, bad grammar, and inadequate organization. I wasn’t able to use a photo of a staff member in my story; the quote used for a photo could not be drawn from my article. These little mistakes were scattered all over my grade sheet and held me back from meeting deadlines. When finally going to press, I was relieved that the story was published but not proud of the final result.
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I recall struggling with the camera and going to numerous swimming practices because the lighting wasn’t right or the movement was captured properly. My goal was to get an image that caught the swimmer in a perfect backstroke. I’m proud of the picture, because during this deadline I officially learned how to use a professional camera. This image was used for my first sports story. I felt somewhat inexperienced with selecting camera modes and differentiating the numerous types of lenses. After much practice, I learned which setting would best capture an athlete in motion and how to position the lens to my advantage. The image shown has many elements of good composition: a center of visual interest, leading lines, and filling the frame. What attracts me most to the photo is the movement; the relaxed pose of the swimmer as her arm is about to hit the water. (Neswspaper #1, 001 October, OFP, 018_griseldagamez.jpg)
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I am an asset to Hi-lights newspaper in many respects. For one, my caring personality enables me to help my fellow staffers whenever they seek assistance. For instance, when Anna needed students for her celebrity look-alike story, I accompanied her on various interviews. When Johnny needed pictures for the art festival, I came through and took images of the event. I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist, but that comes in handy when submitting stories for deadlines. I put my heart and soul into everything I do; in regards to newspaper that is no different. My passionate work ethic allows me to set forth exceptional stories that are an asset to Boone Publications.
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The hardships came with learning the importance of time management and refraining from being overly critical of myself. During the first months of school, tackling the work load of junior year and getting through my first deadlines for publications was a challenge for me. It was stressful managing my time around three A.P classes as well as learning the ropes of being a new staff member. Through some minor break downs and self-esteem issues, I gained a new work ethic and perspective on dealing with stress and challenges. I became less critical of myself and learned to focus on the positive in every situation. Adjusting to newspaper and a more rigorous schedule would get better in time; I just had to work harder and not underestimate myself. If a similar problem arose, I would not have the same reaction and automatically want to give up. I would analyze the situation I’m in and figure out how to readjust myself. Though I have gained more confidence through such challenges, I feel further improvement can be done towards revising my self-esteem during times of crisis.
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My greatest weakness was my inability to receive constructive criticism in a positive light. At first, it was difficult to understand that I was adjusting to a new writing style, and that the edits were improving my story, not ridiculing my writing skills. Now, I am more comfortable with the critiques given to me. Since I recognize the various grammar and syntax errors that were previously holding me back, the edits have been less and less harsh with each deadline. Though newspaper has been a challenge at times, it has improved and diversified my writing tremendously.
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ghszxeakucb N2, “Wave of change in Egypt spreads across the Middle East,” p.10, Mar. 18
This piece is strongly written and highly informative. The article focuses on numerous areas pertaining to the uprising in Egypt: the impact on gas prices in the global market, the domino effect of protests in the middle east. The story is a good representation of my writing abilities and an article that I remain incredibly proud of.
N10, “ Injury gives alumni a new perspective,” p.20 Nov. 12
The central theme of this article is perserverance, Jeremy Brown’s ongoing determination through countless injuries. This story goes beyond an ordinary sports story; it appeals to a wider range of readers. I have been given alot of positive feedback from this article, and a majoirty of those who liked it were not football fanatics. They were drawn to the article by Jeremy’s inspiring story and new gained perspective.
N34, “Teachers, students provide homework survey,” p.10 Feb. 11
I am very pleased with the final product of this peice. The graphic not only appeals to students but to teachers as well. This piece displays a more innovative way to cover the various courses available on campus.
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Stephanie Our enemies have made the mistake that Americas enemies always make. They saw liberty and thought they saw weakness
Where there is love, there is life
Some men see things as they are and say why I dream things that never were and say why not
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