Taking part in Fine Arts, journalism and several other clubs in the school and outside of school, senior Thomas Ford lives a busy life. 

Prior to this year, Ford was an ACA (Altoona Cyber Academy) student.

“So far it’s pretty stressful. Coming back to school for the first time is stressful and weird to adapt to,” Ford said. 

Ford is a first-year journalism student.

“I always kind of thought about journalism. It is interesting. We’re really like, on an inside story,” Ford said. 

Prior to joining newswriting, Ford took part in the Intro to Pub class. 

“It was really fun. Really. It was definitely one of the more intensive classes that I had. Having to, you know, go out and do stuff in a non-traditional classroom setting is really interesting. And really enjoyable. It was very cool,” Ford said. 

According to Ford, one of the best memories he has doesn’t take part in newswriting, but in Intro to Pub. 

“The end of the year I got to start a podcast which I think is interesting. Doing research and critical podcasts here so I’m just getting my feet wet,” Ford said. 

Ford has made connections with other students.

“It’s generally nice to meet all the editors. And I actually got to love the relationship I have with the other staff members,” Ford said. 

Ford has advice to share to students planning on joining journalism. 

“Once you get on a deadline for something for the first time to keep up with, you have basically two weeks for story but it’s going to keep yourself organized to make sure that you’re working on,” Ford said. 

Ford has debated whether or not to pursue anything in journalism after high school. 

“So it’s definitely something that I’ve thought about. It’s not one of my main priorities going forward, but I’ve definitely thought a lot about stuff like I said last year did the podcast and I really enjoyed that. And during that idea, it’s nothing concrete, no plans or anything, but there’s definitely interest,” Ford said.