Life in the Red Shirt
Almost everyone recognizes the kids in the red shirts!
When I found out about the Scholastic Kids Press Corps, it was like someone had designed a program just for me. Working as a Kid Reporter has given me time to contemplate—and test—my career choices, not only in reporting, but in the jobs of everyone I get to met—including the President of the United States!
This is what I do. I love the jittery feeling I get before I go to interview someone. It’s so… well, relaxing. I think of all the possible outcomes, all of the words to say. I prepare myself by going over my questions and making sure I have done my research and know who I am going to be talking to and what about.
When I put on my red Scholastic Kids Press Corps shirt I am no longer just some kid. I forget about everything else and focus on my story.
For one assignment, I interviewed documentary film maker Ken Burns. We talked about his work and the “Ken Burns Effect,” which some photo software uses to make a still picture move like a motion picture. It was cool because I was learning how to edit videos, and here I was talking to one of the great innovators in the movie industry!
Once, when I had an assignment in art to make a sculpture, I also had an assignment from Scholastic to go to an Ice Sculpture show. I have had many unique experiences that have helped me improve my talents and expand my passions.
And then, there was the 2008 presidential election. I actually got to interview Barack Obama before he was elected President!
When I go to interview someone, I can usually see a flash of recognition in their eyes when they see my red Scholastic shirt. I love that. When I’m done working with Scholastic, part of me will always be the kid in the red shirt.
PHOTO: Kid Reporter Kayla Gough interviews then candidate Barack Obama at an event in Michigan in 2008. (Photo Courtesy Kayla Gough)
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