Madison Bishop
Copy Editor | Lifestyles Editor
Based: Marin County, CA
Favorite color: Pink
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Star sign: Libra
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Hidden talent: Flexible spine
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Biggest fear: Ski chair lifts
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Dream destination: Italy
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Pet peeve: 'your' vs 'you're'
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Ideal night: NYC Italian dinner then Broadway show
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PERSONAL NARRATIVE
"SEE COUNSELOR."
That is what was written for 3rd period on my 10th grade schedule, in place of what should have read Nonfiction, the prerequisite class before Advanced Journalism --- and my reason for attending Redwood High School. Upon meeting with my counselor, sophomore year me was horrified to learn I was placed at the bottom of the waitlist for the Nonfiction lottery due to high demand. After many tears, emails back and forth with administration and failed attempts at sneaking into the room as a Nonfiction "T.A," our journalism adviser took a chance on me by admitting me into the Advanced Arts and Media program, as it was the only journalism class with an open seat. As the singular lower classman with little experience but enormous ambition, I grew a lot in that class.
Most of all, I learned that the path to success is not linear. Just like when writing a good story, there can be roadblocks, gaps in understanding and frusturating setbacks. When you care so deeply about something and doing a"good job" 24/7, the stakes are raised dramatically and you risk burning yourself out. However, when you lean into your community---rather than just trying to prove yourself worthy to them---, you realize there was a support system around you all along. That support system is the fuel to achieving great things beyond the classroom. My high school newspaper, The Redwood Bark, has provided me with support, inspiration and healthy challenges. Because of that, I owe it to my staff and myself to be the best version of a journalist/human I can be.
