Portfolio 2011Stephanie Garcia

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Portfolio 2011Stephanie Garcia

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STEPHANIE GARCIA

4431 Yachtmans CourtOrlando, Florida 32812

Stephanieolivia.garcia@gmail.com(407) 371-8503

May 27, 2010

Renee Burke Head of Journalism DepartmentBoone 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 CourtOrlando, Florida 32812

Stephanieolivia.garcia@gmail.com(407) 371-8503

OBJECTIVETo obtain further knowledge on the design and writing aspects of Journalism through an editor or leadership position

EDUCATIONCompleted three years at William R. Boone High SchoolGraduation date: May 2012G.P.A 3.6; Top 11% of class

EXPERIENCENewspaper 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 home-work assignments

Volunteer WorkProject Xmas, 2009; Green Up Boone, 2009-2011; Summer School Counselor, 2010; Shirt Off Your Back Fun-draiser, 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, 2011In-lunch tutoring center that assists high school students with writing assignments • Florida Scholastic Press Association: All Florida AwardState 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

Personal essayg

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-analyticalg

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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Rough Draft

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Final Draft

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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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Rough Draft

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Final Draft

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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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ghszxeakucbThis 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.

N2, “Wave of change in Egypt spreads across the Middle East,” p.10, Mar. 18

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.

N10, “ Injury gives alumni a new perspective,” p.20 Nov. 12

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.

N34, “Teachers, students provide homework survey,” p.10 Feb. 11

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Our enemies have made the mistake that Americas enemies always make. They saw liberty and thought they saw weakness

Some men see things as they are and say why

I dream things that never wereand say why not

Where there is love, there is life

Stephanie

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