Adams Elementary students in Mesa have some new ideas for what they might want to be when they grow up.

The Native American Education Program at Mesa Public Schools invited O’odham Action News to the school on Tuesday, Sept. 15, to speak with students and share what it takes to get into journalism as a career. Staff members shared the different paths that led them into journalism. They said that while a career path might not be clear or straight, by sticking with school and keeping an open mind, students can build skills in things they enjoy. 

The students learned what goes into telling stories—the who, what, where, when, why and how—and the importance of Native stories being told by Native voices. The news team shared different skills they use as journalists, including creativity in writing stories and designing newspaper layouts, thinking about how stories reflect and impact the Community, and problem-solving when something unexpected happens.

Students also got a hands-on look at the technology that helps OAN staff cover exciting events, showing enthusiasm for the drone that the team uses to document events in the Community for news videos. They expressed surprise at how heavy a camera can be. 

No matter what career they choose, these students have bright futures ahead and the NAEP is ready to support their journey.