28 September 2026
Spiritual prompt: Applying editing principles to living the gospel
Editing is about making something a little better each time you go through it. You don't rewrite the whole piece in one go. You fix one sentence, cut what isn't needed, and make the message clearer. President Hinckley's quote works the same way. He doesn't ask us to be perfect overnight, he asks us to be "a little" better.
I think we can edit our lives like a draft. First, we read it honestly and notice what isn't working, like impatience or holding a grudge. Then we cut what gets in the way of the message, such as old habits or harsh words. Finally, we keep revising. A first draft is never final, and neither are we. Small changes at home, at work and with friends add up to a much better version over time.
29 September 2026
Professional prompt: Strengths and weaknesses of feature writing compared to news writing
In my opinion, the biggest strength of feature writing is that it lets the writer tell a story. Features can use real people, scenes and details, so readers feel connected to the topic instead of just being informed. There is also more room for creativity in the lead and the ending, and readers often remember features longer than a quick news report.
The weaknesses are that features take more time to research and write, and they are not as fast or direct as news. A reader who wants the facts quickly may get frustrated waiting for the point. Features can also lean too much on one person's story or the writer's voice, which can make them feel less objective. News writing wins on speed and clarity, while features win on depth and emotion.
30 September 2026
Professional prompt: Impact of frequent blog writing
So far, frequent blog writing has helped me get comfortable putting my ideas on the page. The more I write, the less I stare at a blank screen, and I have gotten faster at turning my thoughts into clear sentences. It has also made me more aware of my audience, because I have to think about what a reader would actually want to know.
It has been challenging too. Writing regularly means I can't wait for the perfect idea, and I have had to learn to edit my own work more carefully. Overall, it has improved my confidence and my writing habits, and I think it will help me in my communication career.
1 October 2026
Student's choice 1 (Professional): What I learned about interviewing
Before this assignment, I thought an interview was just asking questions and writing down answers. Planning for Lerato and Mpho showed me it is more than that. A good interview starts with permission and honesty. You tell the person it is on the record and that they will get credit for their words. That builds trust, and people talk more openly when they trust you.
I also learned that short answers are not enough for a story. When Lerato told me her petrol spending went from R6000 to R9000, the number was strong, but I needed to know how it felt. Asking for an example or a follow up question is what brings out the details readers remember. I also found out that I need to confirm the small things, like whether a number is monthly. Missing details can confuse the reader. Next time, I will ask fewer yes or no questions and leave more room for people to tell their story.
2 October 2026
Student's choice 2 (Spiritual): Serving others through listening
While working on my petrol story, I noticed how much of interviewing is just listening. Lerato is a nurse and a mother of three who gave up visiting family on weekends so she could keep up with her children's sports and schools. She never complained about it, but I could hear how much she sacrifices out of love.
That made me think about how often I listen only to answer instead of to understand. President Hinckley asked us to be a little more kind and a little more merciful. I think listening is one of the simplest ways to do that. When we really listen, people feel seen and valued, and we learn what they need. Jesus Christ spent time with people one on one and paid attention to their needs. I want to do that better in my home, at school and with my friends. It is a small change, but it fits the "a little better" idea perfectly.