By Asia Strobel
Ceniad
East Lansing HS
1st Place Division 3, Yearbook Verbal
Feature Writing – Student Life
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Clear, relevant, engaging angle
- Solid lead that draws reader into story
- Meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing
- Evidence of adequate research
- Adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice, freedom from editorial comment, careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors, correct use of grammar
Growing up, Drake Johnson (12) would sit on the ground in his backyard, watching as his uncle and father would work on their cars–the scent of gasoline filling the air and a rainbow of oil spread across the dirt. Grease and brake fluid covered his hands and pants. Occasionally, they would encourage Johnson to fix a wire or help change one of their tires. These little gestures blossomed into his fascination for cars that served as a hobby, an escape from traditional schooling and an opportunity to succeed.
Johnson was never a fan of school when he was younger. He struggled to focus on what was being taught and found it easy to daydream or think about something other than the lesson. During his sophomore year, Johnson was recommended by his counselor to explore the options that the Wilson Talent Center had to offer as an alternative to the classes taught at East Lansing.
Johnson joined the Wilson Talent Center his junior year. After enrolling in the Automotive Technology course, he quickly became familiar with his new surroundings and gained a refreshed way of looking at school. Johnson enjoyed the class, because it is more free-thinking and hands-on than a typical day in the classroom.
“We start the day with a short discussion and then we get to work,” Johnson said. “We choose a mod to do with a partner for the day, then we ask our instructor for a car to work on. There’s a lot of goofing off, but we get a lot done. [My classmates] joke with each other constantly and pull pranks on each other.”
Johnson also gained confidence in his abilities, as well as a higher self esteem, both at the Wilson Talent Center and at the high school, as a result of taking the course.
“[When I work on cars] I feel a lot better about myself and my ability. It feels like I’m actually doing something right, which was more than I ever felt while at school.”
He plans on attending the University of Northwestern Ohio in hopes of becoming an auto mechanic.
“I don’t enjoy the thought of school at all,” Johnson said, “but I enjoy going to the Wilson Talent Center…it’s given me a second chance.”