Graduating from the Academy opened the gateway to a future in journalism I always aspired in having. After completing my last year at AAL, I took a gap year to evaluate, think, and decide which destination was ideal for what I had chosen to do professionally.
New York City was a choice that came hand in hand with multiple challenges and difficulties, however, with perseverance, confidence, and ambition I managed to not only overcome the hurdles but also grow as an individual. An extensive part of the course was based on independent learning and research which allowed me to be self-sufficient. Studying Media A-level assisted me in becoming open-minded about issues which affect society such as politics and racism. I explored various theories and debates as well as how audiences decode the meaning of texts. Taking upon the knowledge from my classes, I entered the realm of communications, landing a job at Daily Mail New York as an Audience Development Editor.
AAL allowed me to build a solid base of autonomy in combination with collaboration whilst working in a team. Today, I utilize these skills working with fellow journalists and writers, aiming to achieve daily targets and long-term goals that will help our team grow and succeed in the world of media.
The American Academy reflects my journey through the lens of independence, strong work ethic, and determination. My A-level classes including Media Studies and English Language gave me the opportunity to explore personal areas of interest with motivation and diligence, with the help of my teachers. English Language A-level guided me through different texts of time, child language and identity.
