Camila Domonoske, a former Editor in chief has shared her hard work and dedication with the Newsstreak.
“I put a lot into the Newsstreak- a lot of time, energy, thought, enthusiasm, everything, and I did it because I loved it. I loved the paper, loved the staff, I loved the whole process of creating this new publication twice a month, I loved watching everybody learn,” said Camila Domonoske. This was the attitude she had approaching high school journalism, which is why she won the Virginia Student Journalist of the Year competition as well as the VHSL ( Virginia High School Student League) Charles E. Savedge Award.
“[Journalism] is about a group of people learning and growing and going through this sometimes-tortuous, sometimes-amazing experience together,” Camila said. And when asked about how she felt on her graduation day, she remembered the scrap book other staff members presented her as an appreciation gift for all the hard work she put in for the Newsstreak.
“The rest of the staff reminded me about what an amazing trip it had been for the last four years-so heck yes I cried,” Camila said.
This is why a lot of her friends and her teachers like her, for her hard working attitude. She is also a role model for many journalists who knew her, especially her younger sister Alison Domonoske, currently co-editor-in-chief.
“She was very dedicated to the Newsstreak and was a very good leader. I hope I can be even close to how good she was,” said Alison. “If she hadn’t taken Newsstreak, I probably wouldn’t have. She helps me with anything I have questions about.”
Camila’s advice to journalism students?
“Always start working on a story right away-don’t wait and think you have time to do it later,” Camila said.
Camila also believes that journalism is about building a work ethic.
“I absolutely, 100% recommend high school journalism-to anybody who is willing to work. I think that actually putting out a publication is a unique opportunity that will not only improve students’ writing skills, but also their motivation, organization, time management and independence,” Camila said.
Camila is now studying abroad in London with a program at the University of Maryland. She has been to the Philippines to do research on a women’s activist group there.
As to journalism, Camila still hopes she can pursue it as a career later in her life.
“It’s a wobbly sort of dream right now. We’ll see,” Camilla said.
