Seven Warwick Academy Year 10 students chose The Royal Gazette as their top place of employment. Sarah Taylor of Warwick Academy co-ordinated a two-day work experience programme together with Caroline Desmarais, chief development officer, to offer these aspiring journalists the opportunity to see what being a journalist really entails.

The main objectives of the work experience was to give them a full picture of how a newspaper works, from beginning to end and how every department and staff member contributes to the final product.

Various employees came to present to the students, from a graphic designer to a photographer and even our advertising sales director and CEO. Of course, the students had stated that they were all interested in journalism and/or sub-editing and, therefore, we had sessions with several reporters and a sub-editor as well.

In those sessions they asked questions as they would in a press conference. They questioned the journalists on their day-to-day work, advice they would have for aspiring journalists and what field they should study to better their preparation for a career in news.

As a “field activity” the students chose an editorial section (News, Sport, Lifestyle or Business) and wrote articles on topics of their choice.

They conducted research and interviews on their own and within a specified time limit produced 200-word articles.

By the end of the work experience the good news is they all said they still wanted to become journalists and also added that the work experience made them even more certain and excited about their career choice.

Ms Desmarais, the co-ordinator of the work experience programme, told us: “It was a pleasure to host the students at The Royal Gazette. We are always searching for local talent and we look forward to keeping in touch with everyone in the future.”

News (Technology)

How much do you rely on technology?

By Brittany Siddle

and Mya Gibbons

If today’s society turned around and demanded a change in how we use social media and technology what would you do? Delete Facebook? Throw away your phone? Go outside? The majority of us in the western world would have trouble adjusting as the modern world has integrated these into everyday life. After interviewing members of our community with different ages, opinions and lifestyles both positive and negative views about this subject matter were expressed.

The interviewees ranged from ages 15-62. During the interview process everyone was in possession of a phone indicating a connection with technology. As people’s opinions varied, they all shared a similar view on the pros and cons of social media as there is an obvious balance.

The primary uses for the younger demographic tended on being social media and the demand for the internet. In the older age demographic, interests were directed more so contacting others and using the phone in a business aspect.

Camryn Dunstan, 15, along with another anonymous female under the age of 30, expressed their opinion in a positive manner, most likely because of growing up in an internet-dependant era. Dunstan said: “It depends on how you look it…But the good overpowers the bad.”

Sixty-two-year-old David Hillier gave a different opinion, preferring technology over people “rude” and “detrimental” to social activities. He also has a good understanding of the term globalisation as it has “opened the business world”.

When talking to an anonymous male of the age of 50, the term “connectivity” was mentioned. “Connectivity” brings a humorous irony to the world of technology. In our society everything is invented to make a process easier.

You can send a text to someone thousands of miles away within seconds whereas 50 years ago the concept was unimaginable. Through this process, are you really connecting with the people around you?

To connect is to combine or link. Through this interview the younger generation is dependent on connecting through technology whilst the older generation has rejected the idea as a whole.

If today’s society turned around and demanded a change in how we use social media and technology what would you do?

Fall in love with fashion this season

By Alisa Bernardo and

Juliet Nicholson

As summer comes to an end we often find ourselves struggling for inspiration when transitioning our wardrobe to prepare ourselves for fall. Stores in Hamilton have shared their thoughts and opinions to provide insight on the ever- changing world of fashion.

Kate Dunmore, 31, buyer for ladies’ fashion in AS Cooper & Sons, said to The Royal Gazette: “The Bermudian market has a distinctive taste compared to the United States.”

During fall there tends to be more crotchet, suede, and fringe embellishments which account for the “boho-chic style” currently in trend as seen on Pinterest.

Common colours this season include; mustard, black, jewel tones, navy and chocolate.

In addition, the local boutique caters to fuller figures and petite sizes, as well as conservative fashions and edgier designs.

Tony Thompson, 33, buyer and visual planner of Gibbons Company spoke to The Royal Gazette about the new shoe department’s plans for fall.

The colours will consist of the favourable ranges of black and grey, as well as luggage brown and popular orange tones.

Tony said: “Shoes have the power to transition an outfit from day to night.” The department store incorporates five brands from the United States, where styles are strongly influenced by the well-known magazines Vogue and Bazaar, with its number 1 selling brand, “Nine West”.

The basic pump is suitable for everyday comfort and can be available in various colours depending on the season.

At home you can get inspiration from different sources, for example Pinterest and editorial magazines which portray the main themes and colours for this fall.

Current trends are available at local stores across the island.

A student’s perspective: the airport redevelopment

By Abigail Jones

In November of last year, Bob Richards, Minister of Finance, announced that our Bermuda Government was partnering with the Canadian Commercial Corporation to build a new airport terminal.

It is no secret that Bermuda has struggled financially; many people have been made redundant in the past due to our “recession”.

So the question is why are we building a new airport terminal now?

Evaluating the effects of this new project, there are some benefits, including the creation of jobs – a mix of people from away and here in Bermuda.

The redevelopment of the airport will also create room for more aeroplanes and more opportunities for travel.

As is known, construction takes a long amount of time which will increase the traffic in that area. This could affect our already established airport; people arriving and departing from the airport.

As a student, the changes in our Island will affect children and teenagers growing up here.

We should consider especially the long-term effects because we are the ones who will one day make decisions for Bermuda.

If Bermuda wants to evolve from where it is there are some clear steps we will have to make.

This will entail investing large sums of money to positively affect Bermuda in the long term.