Greta Mattmiller was admitted into The New York Times Summer Academy.

Being a part of the HC Devils’ Advocate opens up great opportunities for staff, as well as builds important, lifelong skills. Not only that, but staff are able to bond with one another through the teamwork necessary for the paper to function. Junior Editor Greta Mattmiller provides perspective on this, as well as her acceptance into The New York Times Summer Academy, which she will attend this summer. 

Mattmiller described her strong interest in journalism before high school, which ultimately motivated her to sign up for the course; “Journalism provides a multitude of different skills that can be translated to any career,” Mattmiller said. “Learning to interview people, I personally believe, has been the most helpful.”

Since joining, she has been able to better develop these interview skills, as well as foundational writing skills.

“The Devils’ Advocate gives students an opportunity to not only improve their writing but give them editing skills that they can use for themselves and others,” Mattmiller said. “It instills a sense of responsibility and timeliness that is difficult to achieve through anything else but newspaper.”

As students continue with the course, they get the opportunity to move up into leadership roles. While Mattmiller describes being an editor as hard at times, she also explains how it can be rewarding and builds important habits that will be beneficial in the future. 

Along with productive habits and a sense of community that is created in the classroom, it opens up opportunities for newspaper staff. As a result of her experience in journalism, Mattmiller made the decision to apply to The New York Times Summer Academy.

She applied in early November, and describes it as an international opportunity for students to go to NYC and learn about a category of journalism of their choosing from professionals teaching in that field. 

“I had to write an essay about my experience as a student journalist and choose a course to apply to,” Mattmiller said. “I chose international reporting.”

When asked about how being a student journalist impacted her admission, she described several benefits. “Having experience in the field definitely helped.” Mattmiller said. “My writing in general has improved tremendously because of the work we do in class.”

With such an opportunity, Mattmiller described how she hopes to bring back knowledge that will help the paper continue to succeed. This demonstrates not only her personal dedication to the course, but how the Devils’ Advocate truly does have a positive impact on its writers and the community.