An Unexpected Journey

By Aaron E.

Years ago, I never would have thought I would ever find myself joining a school newspaper. Yet, that is exactly what I decided to do when I joined the Navigator. I have learned much more in my time with the Navigator than I ever imagined I would, and I am so grateful for that.


My journey with the Navigator starts in my eighth-grade year at NSA. I heard about the Navigator’s open house, and I decided that I wanted to attend to explore the possibility of joining the Navigator the next year. As I watched the meeting proceed, it became clear that everyone on the team collaborated well. I felt that working with such a team would be a great experience, so I signed up to join the Navigator the next year.


When I started at the Navigator in ninth grade, I was nervous about the first meeting. However, after a few meetings, I became more comfortable with meeting with the team, and I began to find myself looking forward to our meetings. It was a pleasure to interact with the team, and the fun, off-topic conversations we sometimes had were also enjoyable.


Shortly after joining the Navigator, I encountered a quite unexpected opportunity. In one of our first meetings, Mrs. Meyer mentioned that she would love to have someone take on the role of spreading the word about the Navigator far and wide across NSA’s platforms. I decided to inquire about taking on this position, and Mrs. Meyer made me the official Navigator Public Relations (PR) Coordinator.


When I started in this role, I needed to build it from the ground up, as there had been no previous Navigator PR Coordinator. Throughout the rest of the year, I built up the position such that I was spreading the word about every new Navigator publication in Teams and on the Launch Pad announcements slider. During that first year on the Navigator, I learned so much about working on a team and greatly expanded my graphic design skills by using Canva, which is the graphic design software used by the Navigator.


This year, I continued on the Navigator as the PR Coordinator. When I returned from summer break, Mrs. Meyer added me to the Publication Team, consisting of Lydia, the Editor-in-Chief, John, the Assistant Editor-in-Chief, and myself, the PR Coordinator. The members of the Publication Team are responsible for leading the way and setting an example for the rest of the team. Working with the Publication Team has taught me so much about leadership this year. It has given me the opportunity to experience the role of a servant leader, which is an invaluable experience to have. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be the Navigator’s first PR Coordinator and learn everything I did by working in the position.


In addition to my work as the PR Coordinator for the Navigator, I also have written several articles. Authoring these articles for the Navigator has improved my writing skills in many ways. Not only have I learned how to write faster, but the quality of my writing has also improved. My improved skills will also help me when I need to compose essays in other courses I may take.


As my time on the Navigator draws to a close, I appreciate everything it has given me. I am thankful for the experience I have gained working with a team and serving in a leadership role. It has been a huge blessing, and I will always be grateful for my time here on the Navigator.

Aaron E. is a high school student from the northeast coast of the USA. This is his third year at NorthStar Academy and his second year on the Navigator staff. He is excited to serve as the Navigator's PR Coordinator again this year. Aaron enjoys spending time in nature with family and friends and exploring it from the water. He loves most anything related to science, technology, nature, and engineering. Some of his hobbies are freshwater fishing, reading, and digital 3D modeling.

👤NSA People, 🗞️Staff StoriesEIC NSAMay 2024 Publication, 2023-2024