Students learn about reporting

Near the end of school, I took up an invitation to speak to a group of students at Palmetto Middle School, explaining what it is that I do and how it relates to my years as a student.
It was a pretty big step for me because, like most people, public speaking is not a relaxing situation. However, I know it was something I have to overcome, and since I was sure this wouldn't be my only invite, I decided it was best to move on and gain some experience.

During the hour I explained my job as a reporter, but more importantly I asked the students what issues they felt were important to them. Of course, the general consensus was having something to do. A number of students participate in sporting activities, but there are quite a few who are looking for something to do besides sports. I hear there is a very real threat of gang activity having an affect on the learning environment and on their lives outside the classroom, but a majority of kids separate themselves from such and aren’t intrigued by it at all.

Another thing, these kids know exactly what they like, and have a strong idea of what they want out of their futures. Josh Murray and Daniel Mclaughlin said they have goals to become surgeons.
Matthew Lee is a drummer for his church, and with his skillful hands, said he wants to become a mechanic. Jalyn Gerald and Sha’Ron Cooper said they want to become a lawyers and Allyson Page could one day win the Nobel Peace Prize when she accomplishes her goal of finding a cure for incurable diseases, she said she also wants to be forensic pathologist.

The diversity was amazing. Nearly every student wanted to take a different career path, like Kade’Ja McBride wanting to get into fashion designing and developing her own clothing line. Brandon Bryant hopes to enjoy a career in the NFL. It was good to see that these youngsters recognized something good about themselves. Long distance runner Kendra Smalls said she puts her running talent to good use when running from dogs and Valshea Gause is another future track star.

Destiny Best said she would like to take her tennis game to the college level and Bulldog basketball veteran Chris Harley said he wants to develop his skills and use them to get into college and obtain a master’s degree. Marcus Ford is like an executive chef at his home, he said, and is cooking up a plan to one day be a world leader. Stephanie Rogers puts comedy to good use, with her cool impersonations and voices. She loves to cheer people up, adding that her most important goal at the time was getting her cell phone back.

Blake Perritt is good at playing football and hunting, which is something he tries to do every day in hopes of joining Steve Spurrier and the Gamecock squad. Courtney Tyler and Nakasha Johnson said they each enjoy dancing and performing in front of an audience. Tyler sings in her church. What I enjoyed most about this experience was noticing that youth in the community want to achieve and that they realize the importance of education.

Basketball star Brittany Rowell said school prepares her for everything and that she does her best to make it on campus every day and to do well. Honor student Jessica Cook recognizes that she’s a good student and works hard to excel through school. Cook’s main goal is to keep getting good grades, she said. Tara Berry said school will prepare her for the real world, so her main goal is to finish in good academic standing so she can one day get a job that she likes and has good pay.

Brittany George pretty much summed it up when she said “School prepares me for the real world and how to carry myself, and having respect for others.” Spending a few minutes with the eighth grade students in Quinita Bright’s language arts class was a great place to begin getting more comfortable with public speaking start. Ms. Bright’s students were a bright group of kids who could hold discussions on a number of topics.

I commend them all for the warm welcome I was given and for being forthcoming with whatever was on their minds. You can learn a great deal in conversations with students.