Megan's Journalism blog

During this pandemic and being stuck inside a lot, Halle Freitas, a 17 year old going to Lebanon High School, takes time to enjoy activities such as art and using creative skills. She is currently working on the piece shown in this photo. It’s hard to stay in the best mindset when being stuck at home so much,  but she uses her hobbies such as painting to stay in the best mindset she can. “Art kind of keeps me focused on the bright side of being stuck in here” she said and laughed.  After practicing clarinet to stay in shape for LHS band, Freitas goes to her morning zoom classes. She usually keeps the camera and mic off so she can follow along with the class and continue to practice as well. Outside of school and chores, she enjoys things such as listening to music, watching YouTube or playing games such as “Among Us” with her groups of friends.  Despite the pandemic, Freitas still practices playing the clarinet every day and has zoom meetings with the LHS band, where they get song upda

          In Lindsey Addario's book, "It's What I Do", my favorite anecdote comes from chapter 7, where Addario speaks about her time in Africa. She went from Abeche, tp Bahai, tin Darfur. She had to sneak in illegally for interviews because the government was not allowing journalist visas. He journey once there was a five-day one, where they carried everything on back. She speaks about how Darfur is different than other places she has seen such as Afghanistan and Iraq. She experienced the kind of war where everyone was kind of against one another, including your own people. Out of the many anecdotes from this book, this was one that stood out because it puts into perspective how much freedom and privilege we have in America. Even though we may not like aspects of how our country is at times, we are able to have moments of safety and peace. Places such as Darfur are very different. They live their lives in fear, especially the women, in several ways. Everyone can turn

 Tyler Hicks is a senior photographer that works for The New York Times , which started in 1999 when he came to Kenya as a contract photographer. His stories mainly focus on on East and West Africa. He was born July 9th. 1969 and currently lives in Nairobi, Kenya. He graduated from Boston University in 1992 With a B.A in journalism.  What stands out about Tyler Hicks’ work is the harsh reality he captures in it. His work is uncensored, realness captured to show us the realities of what is happening in Africa and outside of the United States. He risks his life to capture these photos mid-combat and in life endangering situations. He brings to light the real world issues and struggles that we don’t really see here in the states. In 2013, Hicks captured a terrorist attack at a mall, where many were killed and injured. He witnessed everything from people being shot, windows and shops being destroyed, and most importantly, victims being human and helping protect one another. Victims and wit

  The sign for Laura Lane, a dead end street in my small neighborhood, mid-afternoon on a rainy day. This street is mainly used for cattle such as horses, goats and sheep. Throughout the day, cattle transport can be seen coming on and off of this street.  A view of the street from my parents’ house. There aren’t many houses or large buildings, as mainly what can be seen are just large empty fields and property used for animals and fertilizing. The heavy rain can be seen in the distance through the sky as well.  Christina Freitas, a senior home care worker, leaving for work in the morning. Living out of town means that nothing is necessarily within walking distance. Driving is needed and sometimes that means longer commutes. Although, there are upsides to that. Living out of town gives you perspective on the world and nature around everyone. 

  Halle Freitas, 17, is currently a student enrolled at Lebanon High school and taking a class at LBCC. She is currently taking Calculus at Linn-Benton and taking two college courses in high school: AP government and AP Literature. Because of COVID, all her classes have been online.  “School has been rough online, it’s harder to be in the mindset to learn and it’s been taking a toll on me mentally”, Freitas explains.  As far as her career path goes, she plans to possibly go into business. Her original plan was to go into chemical engineering, but she changed her mind because she decided that that’s not truly what she wants to do. After she finishes high school, she would like to go to Oregon State University for their band program. 

  A line of customers wait to get beverages at the Heritage mall Starbucks, mid afternoon. They can all be seen wearing masks in the line, keeping distance from each other. Places such as these are staying open in the mall by taking many precautions with one being wearing masks and keeping customers at a distance in lines. The play area at the food court of Albany Heritage mall  is seen to be closed, with other stores being seen as empty and closed up in the background. Not many people can be seen near or around as well. AT&T is seen to be closed while Bath and Body Works is booming with customers and people.  Caden Holler, a customer at the Albany Target store, is seen purchasing items at checkout. Both him and the cashier are seen in masks as he exchanges cash, paying for his items.