MIC’d Up
A Q&A with the MIC of the SWR
P. P. Zhang
DESPITE MY LACK OF SUCCESS WITH THE NON-EXISTENT SHORE WEEKLY RECORD PODCAST, I DECIDED THAT MY INTERVIEWING SKILLS WERE STILL UP TO SCRATCH. In this article, I go undercover and ask Ms Reid, the MIC of the Shore Weekly Record, the questions everyone’s been dying to know the answers to.
N.B. The italicised words in brackets are my personal comments added in after the interview.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself, introduce yourself to all the fans out there.
A: I’m an English teacher and I’ve been teaching for fourteen years. I love teaching – wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. Apart from a teacher, I’m also a mum of three, which is why I only work three days a week, the youngest of which just turned five today. (Happy late birthday)
Q: What exactly is your role as the MIC (Master/Mistress in Charge) of the SWR (Shore Weekly Record)?
A: Well, I’m the liaison between the Senior Committee (that’s us!) and the staff and the media communications team (not us). So I have to proofread the articles each week and make any changes before they go on to Dr Mansfield and the media team.
Q: How’s your experience of the SWR been so far?
A: Initially, when I was approached to take the role, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it but I’ve found it fantastic. I particularly enjoy reading the boys’ articles each week – that’s the best part.
Q: Was there any form of student journalism or SWR equivalent when you were at school?
A: No, there was nothing like that. My only other reference is the student newspaper in Gilmore Girls. There was no student newspaper at my school but it would’ve been something that I would’ve really enjoyed. It’s pretty special that you guys are a part of the longest running student newspaper in Australia.
Q: Do your friends and family ever go through and read a few articles?
A: My husband does regularly. I also have flicked some articles to my friends, who are teachers at other schools, just to demonstrate the critical thinking and literacy skills that go into the students’ writing, because most other schools don’t really have the same opportunity.
Q: Do you have a favourite article in the past that stands out to you?
A: That’s a really good question. There was an article by James McCreery, ‘The Pain of Progress’ on examining conflict as a driver for change, way back in Term 3, I found that fascinating. When I said something to him about it, he was just like ‘oh, that was just my history homework’. (So modest James)
Q: If you weren’t the MIC of the SWR, what other activities would you be involved in?
A: Well, I’m now the MIC of MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly), I absolutely love MUNA and used to do it when I used to work at Shore (MUNA is great, would absolutely recommend to any boys in Year 11). That’s my favourite, but if I wasn’t doing the Shore Weekly Record, I would probably be doing basketball just because I love basketball so much.
Q: What changes would you like to see in the SWR in the future?
A: I would just like to see all ages writing, to give a voice to some of the younger writers (younger boys, that’s your cue). I would also like to see some more buy-in, because I don’t know how many boys actually actively read it (shoutout to the ones that do). I would also like to see more topical articles, like what’s happening in the news and a student’s perspective on it.
Q: Do you read the news much? If so, what’s your go-to source?
A: I do, I have a go-to podcast. I listen to Sam Horsley’s ten-minute podcast every weekday, which is perfect when you’re a busy mum. I also go to the ABC page, because the Sydney Morning Herald isn’t free. (Actually, there’s a sneaky trick you can use to bypass the monthly article limit)
Q: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
A: Umm, my friends tease me for this but I love dystopian films and television shows – that’s my favourite genre. I also love reading books, and when I do, I just hibernate, so once I start it I have to get it done. (Same ma’am!)
Q: Finally, what are your thoughts on pineapple on pizza? Yay or nay?
A: Oh pineapple, I’m definitely for it.
Not too sure about that last one Ma’am but thank you for taking time out of your day to help me write this article. If you see Ms. Reid around, don’t be afraid to say hello, she’s super friendly despite liking pineapple on pizza.