In high school, I was the kind of kid that was involved in everything.

From student council to community service and leadership groups to mentoring underclassmen, I was involved in a lot of activities.

But my favorite activity was writing for the school newspaper.

I loved talking to the school principal about issues going on at school.

I loved designing pages and taking pictures.

I loved working with the rest of the staff to collaborate on stories.

And I loved handing out the paper once a month to the student body and seeing them flip through the pages at lunch.

I thought it was the greatest feeling in the world; until I came to Baker and started working for The Baker Orange newspaper.

Walking into the newsroom for the first time during my freshman year to observe the editorial board on a Wednesday night, I was amazed at the number of plaques that lined the walls.

I was amazed at the dedication of the editors as they put the pages of the paper together. And I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of a group that was full of so much tradition and dedication.

Working on the newspaper staff at Baker takes up a lot of time, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I wouldn’t trade the late Wednesday nights we spend in the newsroom.

I wouldn’t trade the weekly Thursday lunches the editors have together.

And I wouldn’t trade the singing we do during the wee-hours of the morning on Wednesday night work nights for anything.

Being a part of The Baker Orange has taught me valuable leadership skills that I’ve been able to apply in my classes at Baker and being on staff has taught me to be a good listener.

The Baker Orange has taught me to be a better communicator, to seek out the truth in all situations and to not be afraid to ask questions.

People often ask me, and the other editors of The Baker Orange, why we spend so much time on the paper and why we enjoy newspaper so much.

But how do you describe something that means so much to you in just a few words?<br/>You just can't.You just can't.
You just can’t.

My love for newspaper began in high school, and it will continue long after my time at the Baker Orange. But the lessons I learned while working on both newspapers are lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life.<br/>