One of the new teachers at Pahrump Valley High School over the previous three years is Mrs. Amie Sitter-Jones. She took over Charles Larssen’s journalism class when she first started at our school. Except for myself, the majority of those who took Larssen’s class likely never had Mrs. Sitter as a journalism instructor. I enrolled in both courses and began to wonder: Would my Journalism II/III classmates suggest this course given their experiences?

Anthony Brown, a junior at PVHS, said he would recommend this class, “Yes, but only to those who I know that might like the class or do well in writing.” I also asked my pal if he thinks this class was hard. He stated “Journalism I, no. Journalism II  yes. Personally, I always liked writing, but I also write a lot so only having a week vs two weeks is a huge difference in what I can do. The only time I would say it’s hard for both classes is interviewing multiple people, having questions that need to flow into others, as well as editing is not my strong suit.”  Brown would also like to add that “Editing, I’m not the greatest at it. Not great at giving constructive criticism to people, and reading Journalism I is so annoying. Sometimes I think that they weren’t thinking while writing it. Then I have to tell them what they did great in and what needs improvement. Which can be difficult for either or.” Brown writes really well, and I heartily recommend checking out his remarkable and interesting essays, which will also educate you on their subject. 

Senior at PVHS Domonic Trevino was the next to ask questions. The issues in other nations and his favorite hobby, gaming, are the main topics of Trevino’s articles. Trevino said, “I’ve actually never recommended anyone to the class, however I definitely would, especially to those who love storytelling and writing.” When asked if he finds this class hard he stated: “I found the class hard at first–especially in Journalism I, but after that, it’s just staying on top of your work and enjoying the ride.” His favorite part of the class is “Definitely the discussions and sharing our articles with each other it’s such a unique experience to be able to read another piece of writing and understand what kinda the thought process was when writing.” Trevino’s least favorite part of the class is “Sometimes finding something to write about is the most difficult, and especially writer’s block. It’s disheartening when you can’t put thoughts into words.”

Cristian Aldecua, a junior at PVHS stated: “Yeah, I do recommend this class, this class is only hard if you slack off.” Aldecua’s favorite part of this class is the vibe and his least favorite part is the editing he has to do for journalism I. Aldecua writes mostly anything that comes to his mind, he is one of the student sports editors and his favorite sport is basketball.

Part of Aldecua’s group is Aspen McCormack, a junior here at PVHS; she loves dirt biking and even wrote an article about “Keep Warm Riding”. McCormack said “I recommend it, it’s an easy class and you can basically choose what you want to write about. You also learn a lot and your writing skills improve 100%.” Her favorite part of the class is “the lovely teacher” and has no negative comments on the class.

Coming back up to the front of the class next to Trevino and Brown is Mary Vithoulkas, a senior at PVHS who’s in her third year of journalism. Vithoulkas writes about real-world current events and cares about the earth’s environment. Vithoulkas said, “I recommend Mrs. Sitter’s journalism class to anyone who enjoys writing consistently.” Vithoulkas also stated, “I don’t think the class is hard, but I do think that it can get overwhelming if you don’t keep up with the work.” When asking Vithoulkas if she enjoys the class she said: “I enjoy the work Mrs. Sitter gives us, she gives us a lot of freedom when finding topics to write about and I really appreciate that. I don’t know if I have any dislikes so I  guess I would say my least favorite part of the class are the strict deadlines.”

Back over to Aldecua’s and McCormack’s table, we have Lexi Martinez, a junior at PVHS; Martinez writes about sports and important events that happen within our community. She was asked if she would recommend this class to anyone, “I do recommend Mrs. Sitter’s journalism class to anyone, but you definitely have to have a passion for writing and reading because that’s all you do in there.” She also stated “Personally, I don’t think the class is hard due to the support she provides for the students and the material that we learn. As long as you keep up with your work and create deadlines for yourself you’ll be fine…I enjoy the atmosphere in the class. I always feel welcome by my classmates and teacher. I love the different things we get to write about and the freedom of being able to express our ideas and opinions.” The only thing Martinez dislikes is “When Mrs.Sitter grades your assignments and leaves hundreds of comments and stresses you out!” I would recommend Martinez’s articles to anyone who’s interested in the community of Pahrump.

Callie Fisher, Pahrump’s favorite rodeo girl, is in journalism II. Fisher is the other sports editor with Aldecua, she also writes a lot about the community with Martinez. Fisher’s favorite part of the class is “all the people in the class it’s amazing how well we all get along it’s like a family and we all build each other up and give helpful advice while having a good time and being able to discuss everything.” Her least favorite part right now is “Not enjoying right now is the new system we have with the name tags and feelings a little rushed with all the articles I right so far but I know it will get easier with time.” When asking Fisher if she would recommend this class she stated, “Yes I do, this class is very useful and teaches you to be a stronger writer and prepares you even more for your English class.”

Now over to me, Lynnly Jackson, would I recommend this class to anyone? Only if they have a strong worth ethic and are also on task and love to write. My favorite part of this class is the bond I have formed with my peers, my only con with this class is when I’m not on task. I think Mrs. Sitter-Jones is doing a fine job at journalism, and I can’t wait for the many years to come. If you are interested in journalism, I suggest you talk to Mrs.Sitter about the class and we look forward to you coming.