Things I Learnt from TGP

Written by Eesha Gorti

I remember when Edha and Arohi called me outside class during a Political Science period in January.

"So," Edha said, "We're starting a school magazine and we'd like you to be-"

"Yes."

"But I haven't even finished my-"

"Yes."

"Someone is enthusiastic! Either way, we would like for you to be the photographer. This would mean you bring your camera to school as often as possible and capture the behind the scenes of a student's life at Greenwood High. We will obviously, get permission, and you can add all the pictures you take to your portfolio."

And here we are, nearly a whole year later with what I would like to say has been a rollercoaster for all of us, both in and out of the Green Pages.

I started writing for TGP with an Out of Ten article about TikTok. From there, TGP inspired me to write things I have always thought about writing, and have been too scared to write about as well as things I never thought I would write about.

As someone who is passionate about photography and writing alike, Pragya, Arohi and Edha never said no to any of my eccentric ideas. For every issue that I would want to write in, I would hesitantly call or text and they would never ever tell me that I am writing too much or that I should focus on my work as a photographer instead.

There are a few things I learnt from this magazine that I would really not have learnt otherwise.

1. Organised chaos, works.

Whether it be the Design Team or the photo requests that people were supposed to send me four days before they actually did, let me let you in on a little secret- being a group of students who have very different objectives- students who are functioning on the same wavelength, but different frequencies- will never allow you to be a well-oiled machine. Things will always come up at the last minute, inspiration will strike you ninety minutes before the deadline, anything is possible, but as long as you know how to communicate with your team, and be candid- things will work out.

2. Stepping out of your comfort zone is important

I shot and wrote content for this magazine, that I never saw myself doing. And I loved every second of it. From printing butterflies, cutting them out and pinning them to Khushi's hair, to drawing an outline of my own silhouette to be the cover of a magazine, it has been a wild ride.

3. People surprise you.

Whether you are a reader of TGP, a member of TGP, or just someone who happened to stumble upon the website- I learnt something from you. While all these learnings are too personal to share, I would not be the person I am today without them. Thank you! Yes, you!

4. Learn to keep your personal and professional life separate.

If I had Rs. 10 for every time somebody in this team forgot to send me their photo requests by the deadline- I would be able to buy myself a new camera lens.

I feel like Chandler Bing, because nobody actually knows what my job as a photographer entails, so let me enlighten you- I click and edit the cover photo for every issue, I help all the writers source their pictures, i.e, they tell me what they are looking for and I find the pictures for them, send them over to Design and make sure that the source of the picture is stated, so that, you know, we don't get sued. I also take screenshots or capture stills from any kind of visual content, which is a task that requires far more patience than you think it would,

Occasionally when someone needs a photo handcrafted for their article, I do that as well. Since my work depends on whether the writer is done, it is usually rushed to the last minute. I have learnt to make myself clear and heard when it comes to my deadlines- no matter how close I am to the person. I think this compartmentalization is something I will carry with me for a long, long time.

5. Work with what you have

I was so scared that not being able to go to school would minimise my role in this magazine that I loved so dearly. However, the contrary happened. I do not think the Editors realise how happy they made me when they gave me a few constant roles, or when Arya suggested that I start taking the cover picture for every issue. Not only did we manage to find work for me as a photographer, but we also managed to think outside the box and explore every picture- related avenue there is, and that is truly inspiring.

In conclusion, this magazine has taught me everything from an expected standard of work, to how to craft a WhatsApp forward that looks enticing enough for the 50 people I send it to, to click on my article.

I have made so many friends on this journey. I have deepened so many bonds. I can also say that this is one of the most independently-run student initiatives of Greenwood High, that has really done its best to reach its true potential, despite spending the whole year not having seen each other, and meeting on nothing except Chat forums. I have so much respect for every single member of this team, and how they are so passionate about everything they do.

Watch me nostalgically come to the website once every week.

Signing off,

Photographer JPG