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Hi there!!
As a freshman this past year, I joined journalism at the second semester. I climbed my way up the ladder until I became copy-editor. However, I don't feel appreciated. I would do eight stories for one issue and only two or three would be put in (my teacher only liked what she found interesting, most students liked the stories she wouldn't put in). While writing 8 stories, I would also be editing all the other writers' stories and doing layout as well as photography. As the year ended,and we had an awards banquet. I went, expecting to get an award. I got an award alright- most spirited. I was really angry because of all the work I put into the paper and the little appreciation I received. I didn't get best article, or best new staff member. I am not even spirited. I'm not encouraging in that class and I couldn't care less about being spirited when it comes to journalism. I think I received that award because the teacher felt that I wasn't worthy of anything else.
After realizing that even though I am a good writer, I am not being appreciated in newspaper, I have decided to do something drastic. I tried out for ASB and didn't make it this past year, I have decided to tryout again next year. I am almost positive that I will get in (3 sports, many clubs, many school activities, good grades, etc.). Newspaper and ASB are the same period. Should I join ASB and drop newspaper? What do you think.

By Gianscolere (Gianscolere) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 12:19 am: Edit

hey i've been living in a cave lately...what's ASB?

By Thedad (Thedad) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 01:20 am: Edit

Associated Student Body. I.e., student government.

The single most-overrated EC, imnsvho.

By Gianscolere (Gianscolere) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 02:40 pm: Edit

UCLAismyway: I think you should continue your involvement with the newspaper. It's not so much about earning the title but about making contributions. If you do a lot more than the editor, it will be in your favor when it comes to college admissions. I read an article about this on the Princeton Review site.

Link: http://www.princetonreview.com/college/apply/articles/look/deanqa.asp

Excerpt from an exclusive interview with adcoms:

------------QUOTE------------
"Do extracurriculars really count? What if I'm not a captain/club president/editor, etc.?

1. "It is typically not the quantity of extracurricular participation, but the quality of it which ends up being an important consideration. A student does not have to be club president, captain, or newpaper editor, etc., but admission committees do appreciate meaningful contributions or experiences that a student may have had outside the classroom."
-- Michael Steidel, Director of Admission, Carnegie Mellon University

"What makes a highly selective university 'highly selective' is the applicant pool. Far more qualified applicants will apply than can be accepted. What distinguishes a candidate will be the quality of academic curriculum and extraordinary initiative. But, also, personal qualities and achievement. That usually translates into extracurriculars. Being president isn't as important as significant involvement."
-- Roland M. Allen, Associate Director of Admissions, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Extracurriculars count insofar as they demonstrate one's capacity to manage time, while doing well academically. The quality of the involvement is always more important than the quantity of the involvement."
-- Tony Strickland, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

"Yes, extracurriculars do count in the admissions process. While not as important as the academic record, the committee on admissions is interested in knowing what each applicant does with her or his time when not in the classroom. Please note that "extracurriculars" should not be limited to sports and leadership roles. Community service, part-time employment, forensics, boy/girl scouts ... all tell us what you might be expected to 'share with your fellow classmates' should you enroll at our institution."
-- Daniel J. Saracino, Assistant Provost for Enrollment, University of Notre Dame"

--------END OF QUOTE-------

Or you can do both ASB and newspaper and do well in both.

By Gotspice (Gotspice) on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 12:26 am: Edit

Well it depends what you get in ASB--if you're a class officer, then go for that...if it's just a commissioner, then stick w/ the newspaper...

By Uclaismyway (Uclaismyway) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 08:59 pm: Edit

I don't know... but I think I would enjoy ASB more. It's soooooo much more fun than sitting around in the newspaper room yelling at everyone to get their stories in on time. ASB is more of an outgoing activity. I still can't make up my mind. There is no way I can do both though. I'm soooo unsure right now :-(

By Me1 (Me1) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 10:13 pm: Edit

Hey Honestly, I'd go with whichever you like. Unless you want a career w/journalism (newspaper) or government (ASB), I think it's really a toss-up. Both are pretty good activities. It's not like a decision between the volunteer club or the video game club. Are u allowed to change your schedule in the first week or 2 of school? If you are (we/re allowed to change during the first 10 days) I'd say to sign up for ASB & switch if u don't like it after a few days.

By Uclaismyway (Uclaismyway) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 10:23 pm: Edit

It doesn't work like that. I will have journalism for sure 1st semester. Then, I tryout for ASB right before 2nd semester starts. If I get in, I will have ASB 2nd semester. I'm clueless right now.

By Nealyac (Nealyac) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 12:36 am: Edit

do ASB that way you will look more "well-rounded"

By Nyu2010 (Nyu2010) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 09:01 am: Edit

I quit newspaper this year and I decided to do yearbook instead. I pretty much quit for the same reasons as you, uclais. If you're worried that it doesn't show consistency in ECS, don't worry bout it. Most colleges don't look at freshman ECS.