Participants Love JSR – Apply Today!

The J Student Reporters (JSR) program is accepting applications for Autumn 2015. Visit jstudentboard.com/reporter/join-jsr to learn how to apply, and explore the website to read work by JSR students along with testimonials about the program. All students entering grades 9-12 for the 2015-16 school year are invited to become student reporters.

Every semester, members of the program share their opinions as part of a student satisfaction survey mid-semester. Participants have great things to say about JSR, and the student feedback demonstrates why JSR is a great fit for intelligent and ambitious high school writers.

One thing students particularly like about the program is the hands-on approach to instruction. Students receive detailed revision notes on every article from student editors and the program coordinator. Written with each individual student in mind, these notes go beyond mere grammar correction.

“I like that JSR is not just about filling space in a newspaper,” said one student on this semester’s survey, “but something that allows us to get personalized advice not only on how to make our writing better, but also how to live our lives better by thinking more objectively, approaching people, meeting deadlines, and more.”

Another student said, “The best part of JSR is the support and advice from my editor and [program coordinator] Geoff. I really appreciate the comments and encouragement they give; they motivate me to work harder and improve my writing skills.”

“The special individualized attention [of JSR],” another student concurred, “does not happen as much in school journalism class.”

Students also appreciate the freedom the program offers them to pursue topics that interest them. JSR students have used their freedom and journalistic talents to write about everything from discrimination in our society, to the impacts of peer pressure, to the unique challenges and expectations faced by second-generation Asian Americans.

“The best part is being able to write from a broad range of issues,” said a reporter. “My school newspaper tends to focus on just school events and student-related events. But I think it’s so awesome that JSR gives students the freedom and responsibility to write about almost anything!”

A perfect example is Angela Yoo’s recent article, “It’s Okay to Not Feel Okay,” for which she explored a topic that is personal for many teenagers: dealing with angst in a world that expects us to be happy all the time. Her journalistic piece does more than express her feelings, though. It combines interviews and research with her observations to make a powerful impact.

“No one expects just how beneficial the program ultimately is,” said one student in the survey. “I’ve really grown as a writer and a leader, and JSR has definitely helped me find my voice in the world by allowing me to explore my passions and do something about them.”

Sign up for JSR between now and Monday, June 29 at jstudentboard.com/reporter/join-jsr.