Editors of Horizon, along with Journalism students, embarked on a field trip organized by English and Journalism Teacher Jessica Sanders to Columbia University for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Fall Conference on Nov. 6. Upon entering Columbia University, attendees were impressed with the campus’ beauty, extravagance, and splendor. Librarian and Yearbook Club Advisor Maureen Bertolini says, “I visited Columbia’s campus for the first time in 1992, and I remember being very impressed by the old-world architecture and layout of the campus. That first impression is always with me each time I get the opportunity to visit Columbia, and the newer buildings, such as Alfred Lerner Hall, where many of my conferences were conducted, are amazing, more modern additions.”

Those who attended the conference downloaded an app from CSPA on their phones prior to arriving on campus. This application aided students and teachers in seeing the seminars offered throughout the day and creating their own schedule, showing when and where each seminar began. Most believed the app was helpful. “The app was really useful to preview conference selections. I used the WAZE app to walk and locate specific buildings on and off the main campus,” Bertolini explains. Grace Mata, a freshman in the Journalism class, agrees, saying, “The CSPA app was definitely helpful because it made the campus easier to navigate.”

With so many options, how does one choose which seminar to attend? Luckily, each seminar was aimed at a specific audience, whether it is for an advisor, newspaper editor, yearbook editor, or photographer. Bertolini, being involved with the yearbook, chose to participate in the following programs: “Trends in Yearbook Theme, Design, and Coverage;” “Yearbook A-Z;” and “Icing the Cake: Details Complete the Book.” “Trends in Yearbook Theme, Design, and Coverage” discussed topics such as cut-out background photos, textures, type treatments, and designs in magazines, on television, and on the Internet. This class helped students and teachers see how today designs allows for improved coverage while maintaining a trendy look, according to the CSPA application. In “Yearbook A-Z,” the class analyzed hundreds of yearbooks throughout the country and learned how the most recent volumes set the standards and raised the bar for coverage, concept, design, and more. “Icing the Cake: Details Complete the Book” taught students and advisors how to pay attention to the smallest details, study said details, and understand how they can make or break the finished product.

Journalism students and Horizon editors attended classes that focused more on writing styles and high school newspapers. Mata attended a class entitled “How to Be More Creative,” which, as the name implies, taught students how to be more creative through brainstorming, generating more ideas, and producing breakthrough solutions to challenging assignments. “I thought the classes were very helpful to improve my writing and make me a better journalist,” she says. One course particularly aimed at journalism students was one entitled “Confessions of Former Journalism Nerds,” which was a panel discussion and Q&A session highlighting the stories of NYC-area professionals. This class covered pursuing journalism in college, finding internships, making a name of one’s self in the industry of journalism, and life and work in the city. Other classes included “Mastering the Art of the Interview” and “What Makes a Great Story?”

Other classes helped students learn about Photoshop and InDesign and how to improve their layout skills. “InDesign Tips and Tricks” was a course that taught productivity tips that can help one save time, such as using the eye dropper and pen tools. “Photoshop Cutout Techniques” was a class that taught attendees how to cut people out of photos using masking layers and the pen tool and restoring old, damaged images

For lunch, students went to Mel’s Burger Bar, a neighborhood bar and burger place near Columbia. Students were also able to briefly visit the campus’ own Barnes and Nobles, purchasing various books and Columbia attire, such as sweat shirts and holiday sweaters. Mata describes Mel’s Burger Bar as “a highlight of the trip. It was a much better idea than regular old brown bag lunches, not to mention that the food itself was pretty good!” Sophomore Alex Schachinger, too, enjoyed the food. He expressed his satisfaction by saying, “My wings were decent; the place was clean and very nice. Service was great.” Layout Editor Emily Moelis, a junior, was indifferent in regard to the establishment. “It was not the best burger I’ve had, but considering how busy they were, I think they did great with service,” she says. After long seminars and constantly walking from building to building, lunch was the perfect, calm pause to divide everyone’s day and allow him or her to relax. “Lunch was a refreshing break to the day,” says Bertolini. “My veggie burger was prepared really well, and I enjoyed it very much, although I am not used to the hefty cost of a Manhattan lunch!” Although expensive, most enjoyed their food.

Overall, those on the trip deemed it a complete success and will continue to use the skills they learned in the future both in and out of high school and college. “The trip was a fantastic experience just like last year. I really got a lot out of the seminars, especially since there were some ran by SNO representatives, the company that powers our online publication. The bagels and free lunch were perks as well,” says Sam Cohen, editor-in-chief of Horizon’s online edition. “I loved this trip. You get to tour a college campus, learn about journalism from professionals, and get valuable answers to problematic questions,” adds Schachinger. Some students were so pleased with the trip that they cannot wait to return next year. “I would like to attend this trip again because it was a helpful experience and it was a lot of fun!” Mata shouts ecstatically. Not only is Bertolini excited to attend again next year, she wants to bring the LHS Yearbook Club with her to get in on the fun, excitement, and learning associated with this event. “I would attend the event again and I would like to bring yearbook club members if their busy schedules allow for it. The sessions at the CSPA help to prepare you for unique situations that arise as you are designing the book, help you to be a more confident participant and a creative, problem solving club member,” she explains.