The co-operative work study course has introduced to a much more in-depth, personal approach to learning.
Not only did I get to meet amazing people willing and open to teach an interested youth, but I got the chance to write, and work for exactly where this comes from — The Guardian.
When I was a kid, I began writing small articles and reviews of video games I liked and posted them online. In junior high I came to be interested in politics and soon began to write pieces regarding current events. That turned into a love for journalism, but I found it was very rarely referenced in the general school curriculum. So, when the opportunity to apply at The Guardian via the co-op program arose, I was immediately intrigued. After a short wait, I was in contact with my soon-to-be supervisor Jocelyne Lloyd. After the first semester, I was fully ready to go, and finally after the initial in-school assignments I was behind a desk with all the editors in the newsroom. Needless to say, I was in disbelief.
The co-op program is an increasingly popular course choice offered in most Island schools. It allows students to apply to a position in their desired career. They are encouraged to have multiple choices if some don’t work out and undergo a few weeks on in-school assignments to assure workplace safety and appropriateness.
At The Guardian, my experience was not exclusive to the office, I was also taken to the courts to see cases in action and to learn about reporting on scene, also speaking to people in all departments, seeing what all went down in the newsroom.
Here I learned I truly did love the craft and job of journalism, and it makes me sure and excited about my future.
For all this and more, I’d like to personally thank my instructors both Bluefield and at The Guardian for an experience which will surely be a key step in my future. The experience of writing publicly and the praise that ensued is humbling. For everyone involved, it’s been a pleasure.
Colby Gallant is a Grade 11 Bluefield High School student who has completed a co-op placement with The Guardian.
