Mrs. Janet Raddish: The Pillar Behind My Tenacity in Journalism
Matriarchs of the Pen: A series honoring my humble journalism beginnings
I was only in middle school when I took a career aptitude test, hoping it would shed some light on what the universe had in store for me. Lo and behold, topping that list was "Journalist." Up to that point, I had never truly connected the dots between my incessant journaling and a potential career.
Fast forward to my freshman year at Bryan High School, where I eagerly enrolled in a communication class. The memories of the first day in that class are still as fresh as morning dew. I was seated right at the front, all eager-eyed and attentive.
Then in walked a vivacious woman, wearing a quirky brown fedora cap. Tucked neatly into the hat’s ribbon was a little note card that read "Press." It was an eccentric touch, but her energy was so infectious that I was completely enthralled. That woman was Mrs. Janet Raddish, the journalism adviser for The Orator, our school newspaper.
It was under Mrs. Raddish's wing that I not only grasped the rudiments of journalism but truly fell in love with the craft. From penning articles to developing photographs in the darkroom, the thrill of capturing stories and connecting with people was intoxicating. She noticed my passion and dedication, eventually inviting me to join the student newspaper. I gladly accepted, further immersing myself in the world of journalism.
Thanks to Mrs. Raddish's teachings, I never hesitated to approach anyone for a story. My byline, it seemed, became an open passport to people's lives. They relished seeing their stories, photos, and names in print, and I reveled in the joy of bringing their tales to life.
Post graduation in 1999, circumstances pulled me away to Mexico, where I tended to my ailing grandfather. Despite being thousands of miles away, the lessons from Mrs. Raddish echoed in my ears. I journaled diligently, capturing every emotion, and every anecdote, ensuring that my skills remained sharp.
During my time in Mexico, Mrs. Raddish, always the networker, happened to meet Ms. Deanna Sands, the then-managing editor of the Omaha World-Herald. In that conversation, she spoke glowingly of me. This conversation paved the way for an opportunity I hadn’t seen coming.
One day, as I was catching up with my mother over a prepaid call, she mentioned that someone from the Omaha World-Herald had been trying to reach me. Gathering my courage and the last few minutes on my prepaid card, I made a call that would shape my future.
The voice on the other end, Ms. Sands, remarked on my tenacity, echoing Mrs. Raddish's sentiments. At the time, I didn't know what "tenacious" meant, but soon I realized that Mrs. Raddish had done more than just introduce me to journalism; she'd carved out a path for me in the industry. She had unwavering faith in my abilities, and her belief propelled me forward.
Mrs. Janet Raddish
A journalism instructor who nurtured young minds at Omaha Northwest High School, Omaha Bryan High School, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha for nearly three decades.
It wasn't just her commitment in the classroom that made Mrs. Raddish special. Her remarkable journey began as a young writer for the South Omaha Sun newspaper. After pursuing her education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she ventured into teaching, nurturing young minds at both Omaha Northwest High School and Omaha Bryan High School for over two decades. Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed, as she was recently chosen to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Journalism Education Association. A recognition that she truly deserves.
To Mrs. Raddish, the embodiment of dedication and mentorship, I owe a debt of gratitude. She was the one who showed us what it means to chase dreams with fervor and conviction. To her, I say: "Thank you. You instilled in me the spirit of tenacity. And it is this spirit that I carry with me in every newsroom.”