Joining The Mercury in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged my community involvement during an isolating time. Coming into school two days a week and learning remotely had prompted me to take on a new challenge to fill my time. Becoming a journalist for Bellows Free Academy has not only strengthened my writing capabilities but has opened the doors for me to meet new people. 

Working with Ben Heintz at VTDigger on a project focused on Vermont politics, Red State Vermont, allowed me to meet a former Vermont Senator, Robert Ide. Interviewing and writing about his experiences of being a Republican Senator in a Democratic state allowed me to see a different perspective than my own on various issues. 

Becoming an editor for this paper has introduced me to the difficulties of story ideas, how to conduct smooth interviews and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into writing an article. I appreciate having this experience under my wing before I head off to college next year. 

Larissa Hebert has taught me everything I know about journalism and has been a great advisor for the club. The advice and feedback I’ve received has made me a stronger journalist, and I recommend journalism to anybody who enjoys writing. Thank you and goodbye to everyone I’ve met through journalism.