Community newspapers = Valuable Work Experience for young journalists

Last month, I wrote my first article for the Levittown Leader, a small community newsletter that's only been published for a few years so far. As result, all of its staff are currently volunteers. But I am proud to be one of them. Having Cerebral Palsy has made it more challenging for me to find jobs of any kind.

I started the job search at age 17 as a high school junior. Like most students, I applied to grocery stores, Walmart, etc., all with no success. Then, during my senior year of high school, I got accepted to Bucks County Community College.

After high school graduation, I worked for 3 seasons at a summer camp for children with disabilities. During that time, I relied on my grandmother to transport me to and from work.

Four years later, in 2011, I got my first article assignment with the Langhorne Ledger. Two months after, I got a second assignment with the Ledger. Each paid $40 and great experience, but still not enough to support myself. Still, getting my first paid writing jobs was so exciting! It taught me that I made the right choice choosing a local community paper. After writing for the Ledger, I got my first voluntary assignment with the Courier Times. Again, an exciting valuable opportunity.

All of the above opprtunities were completed from home; a task that required commitment and self-discipline In my opinion, journalism is the best employment experience I've ever had!