Letters from the Edi to rs 3
Laura Christensen
Caleb Slater
As my senior year is ending, it almost doesn't even seem real. I remember coming in these halls as a freshman being worried about what the next four years would consist of. My very first class of high school was journalism, but little did I know how much that would change my entire high school experience. When I walked into journalism, I remember Ms. Dryden eagerly waiting for her first class to arrive. Throughout my first semester I was extremely shy and quiet, but as the semester went on, I grew to love writing, and with the influence of Ms. Dryden, I joined The Oracle. Throughout the last four years, I've grown a lot as a person and a journalist, but also found a home with my Oracle family. When I first joined The Oracle, it was the first time doing a news magazine. Since then, we've earned awards every year, bettering our publication. Becoming an editor-in-chief was my goal since freshman year and then as a senior it hap pened, and I became editor-in-chief for both The Oracle and the yearbook. Although it was very stressful at times, everything from deadlines to living in Ms. Dryden's room every day was completely worth it. I've made many memories including going to Seattle, San Francisco and Chicago with my Or acle family, as well as celebrating finishing Oracle issues and many more. In high school the most important piece of advice I have is to find your "home''. If it wasn't for The Oracle I wouldn't be where I am today.
As my senior year comes to a close, I'm learning to further appreciate everything I've created for The Oracle. From my award-winning story about Mr. Masters and his intriguing career path, to my in-depth analysis of Des Moines Public Schools' forthcoming change in schedule; every thing I have done for this publication is something I've learned a lesson from, those lessons being ones I will carry with me throughout my post-high school career. When I interviewed local rapper and activist Will Keeps, I remember him schooling me on how terrible my interviewing skills were. After I finished recording, I recall him bluntly asking, "Did you do any research on me at all?" I was embarrassed because I really hadn't done any research, and I had been caught. As an editor-in-chief, I really should have known better. However, in the face of this humiliating ex perience, I came upon the most important lesson that The Oracle has taught me: don't ever be afraid to give constructive criticism, and especially don't be afraid to take constructive criticism. Since my interview with Will Keeps, his words have echoed in my mind as I have conducted more interviews for my other works. I am working to better my skills. This feeling of self im provement is a feeling that I greatly enjoy, and I hope I have given some of that same feeling to the current staff members of The Oracle. I am already so proud of the growth I have seen among my classmates, and I hope they continue that growth within this publication. To the future editors-in-chief and those involved on the staff, I offer this word of advice: never stop working to better yourself.
Design: L. Christensen/ S. Perdue
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Laura Christensen, Editor-In-Chief
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Photos Courtesy: Corveil Shields
Design: C. Stallings
Caleb Caleb Slater’ Slater’ss band band:
Forget About Me
@forgetaboutmeband @forgetaboutme Forget About Me ForgetAboutMe
Yeah Identity Crisis
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You should surround yourself with people that will build you up and not tear you down. You must remember what you’re in college for and remember you’re paying to go there each year, so keep your scholarships and stay motivated. Stay internally motivated, find that motivation to keep going to classes and do well in college. Find people involved in the same classes or activities as you so when you’re struggling with something, they can be there to help you out and you can get through it together and be each other’s support systems. Know what you have going on the following week: tests, quizzes, work schedule etc. Keep in touch with any adult who has helped you get to where you are today like teachers, parents or siblings. Keep your support system outside of school close, they want to help and see you succeed. Form relationships with your professors. Don’t talk in the middle of their classes as they teach and stay off your phone. Respect is key, as you form a relationship, they’ll be more likely to help you whenever you have questions about an assignment or need help.