How One Pupil Photographer Discovered Her Voice

When pupil work earns nationwide recognition, it’s price slowing down and paying consideration. Not simply to the award, however to the expansion, the risk-taking and the individuals behind the digital camera.

That is strictly the case with Amy Ledezma Gonzalez, an assistant editor on the Torch yearbook employees at Orange Glen High School in Escondido, California. Amy’s images was just lately featured on the cowl of JEA Adviser journal, earned an honorable point out for her soccer images and took first place within the JEA Clips & Clicks contest. For a pupil journalist, that could be a uncommon and highly effective trifecta.

But her story is greater than an inventory of wins.

A Photographer Who Had “It” From the Start

Amy is in her third 12 months on employees and at present serves as one of many Torch assistant editors. According to adviser Jessica Young, MJE, her expertise was evident early on.

“I remember reviewing images early in her first year and seeing that she had ‘it,’” Young mentioned. “Even before we had spent much time on technical skills, she had the instincts needed to get great shots.”

Amy was drawn to images immediately, significantly sports activities. Outside of college, she has constructed a status taking pictures membership soccer, together with serving because the “unofficial-official” photographer for the Nomads membership crew. She performs soccer herself, competing as a defender for each Surf Soccer Club and Orange Glen.

That steadiness of athlete and photographer reveals up in her work. She is aware of the place to face, when to anticipate motion and the right way to inform a narrative via a single body.

She can also be one of many employees’s strongest writers, commonly selecting writing classes at camps and workshops to sharpen her storytelling abilities.

“It Felt Very Surreal”

Amy first discovered her picture was being thought-about for the JEA Adviser cowl throughout the JEA National Convention in Seattle. When the information grew to become official over the summer time, the response was rapid.

“I was definitely emotional,” Amy mentioned. “It was a complete shock. Just being considered was an honor.”

When copies of the journal arrived on campus, Amy couldn’t wait to share them. She introduced copies to the trainer she photographed and took a number of house to her household.

The recognition didn’t cease there.

When Young advised Amy about her Clips & Clicks wins, Amy thought it was a joke. Screenshots proved in any other case.

“Winning double awards days apart felt very surreal,” Amy mentioned. “It was a really positive way to start my senior year.”

A Dream Passed Down

One of probably the most highly effective elements of Amy’s story comes from her household.

Amy’s father labored in journalism for practically 10 years in Mexico as a reporter, photographer and radio host. When the household moved to the United States, he left that profession behind.

“The recognition of my daughter is my pride,” he mentioned. “It makes me happy that she is accomplishing the same thing I did, but that I could not continue.”

For Amy, that connection runs deep.

“My parents did not have access to the opportunities I have here,” she mentioned. “Being recognized like this feels like proof that their sacrifices paid off.”

What It Means to an Adviser

For Young, the awards are significant, however the bravery behind them issues simply as a lot.

“It is scary to put your work out there,” she mentioned. “When students are willing to take that risk, it tells me they trust the skills I’ve taught them and take pride in what they’ve created.”

That belief issues, particularly at a Title I college in a extremely migrant neighborhood.

“Our students face a lot of challenges,” Young mentioned. “When they work hard, take risks and are recognized for it, it makes the long days worth it.”

A Win for the Whole Staff

Amy’s success was celebrated by all the Torch employees. The tradition, in response to Young, is deliberately constructed on assist and shared pleasure.

“A success for one of us is a success for all of us,” she mentioned. “We celebrate our wins together. Cookies and cupcakes definitely help.”

That visibility additionally raises expectations.

“They see that someone from our school, with the same tools they have, can do this,” Young mentioned. “It makes them want to push themselves, too.”

Telling Stories That Matter

Orange Glen’s employees was additionally featured in JEA Adviser journal for its total protection. Amy credit the crew’s deal with illustration.

“We realized many families didn’t even know what a yearbook was,” she mentioned. “So we tried to include every voice we could.”

That strategy resonated past the classroom, serving to the neighborhood really feel seen.

Advice for Other Yearbook Staffs

Both adviser and pupil agree on one factor: authenticity issues.

Young tells her college students she is their greatest advocate.

“I teach them their rights, legitimize their work and amplify their voices,” she mentioned. “They know I have their backs.”

Amy’s recommendation is sensible and direct.

“Get personal,” she mentioned. “Use social media to find stories. It takes the student body to know the student body.”