If you aren't already on your school's newspaper staff, chances are you'll need to try out, or audition, to join the team. Most often, you'll need to submit several sample articles to prove that you have adequate writing and research skills. Check with the newspaper's staff supervisor to see what the process looks like for your school's newspaper. Check to see if there are deadlines for turning in mock articles, what the editor is looking for in a new staff member, and if there are any meetings you can attend to get more information. Once you're on the newspaper team, always check in with your editor to get specific assignments. If you have an idea for an article you'd like to write, pitch it to them and see if it's something you can get approval to work on. If you've been on staff for a while, you may have the freedom to choose your own article topics. But until you know your position, it's always a good idea to ask for assignments. Feature stories are generally 1000 words or more, and they focus on school policies, changes in the administration, national legislation that will affect the lives of students, and other big situations. When you write a feature story, focus on facts and research and include more background information than you would in other articles. Feature stories are the largest articles in a newspaper, and they often go beyond simple facts to the reasons behind something, like why an event happened and what it means for students moving forward. An example of a feature story would be an article about a new scholarship being offered in your state. How it works, who is eligible, and facts about the work that went into making the scholarship program a reality would make a compelling story. A news story is generally a little shorter than a feature story, coming in at 750 to 1000 words. Write about information that students will find interesting or helpful, and focus on the facts of the story and offering multiple points of view about the situation. A news story should veer away from any personal feelings or opinions. News articles are generally more straight-forward than feature stories or opinion articles. They convey relevant information in an unbiased way. Editorials are also called "opinion pieces," and they don't include a byline, meaning that your name won't be signed to the article. These pieces won't be written in the singular first-person point of view, they're about 500 words long, and they provide commentary on topical, relevant issues. For example, you could write an editorial about school rules, events or groups on campus, sports, programs, or teaching methods. Use the singular first-person when writing a column, and share your personal opinions about various topics. For example, you could write an advice column or a mental health column. Columns run anywhere from 250 to 750 words. If you want to be a regular columnist for your school newspaper, present a plan to your editor for a series of articles that you'd like to work on. For example, you could propose a 4-week series about starting a club or practicing self-care. How-to articles or other educational articles are fact- and action-oriented, and they can span many different topics. Make sure to write about topics that are interesting to students and school life to keep your articles engaging. For example, you could write an article called "Top 10 Tips to Manage Stress," "How to Develop Good Study Habits," or "How to Get in Shape before Tryouts." Review things like books, movies, classes, music, and TV shows. Include a brief description of the thing you're reviewing, and then write about a few objective positives and negatives to help others decide if they'd like to spend money or time on the presented subject. For example, if you review a new movie that came out, you could write about who would most enjoy the film. Perhaps it would be great for someone who likes action movies but not as enjoyable for someone who prefers comedies.
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One-sentence summary -- Audition to join the school newspaper team. Check with the editor to get an assignment. Write a feature story to explore an in-depth issue or event. Work on a news story to share information about events or policies. Submit an editorial if you'd like to write about general opinion. Choose to write a column to share your opinion and sign your name. Share an educational article to teach others about a specific topic. Publish reviews to share an objective opinion with readers.

These romantic feelings that you now have for your friend are likely making you a bit anxious. However, it is important that you stay calm so that you don't make your friend nervous, too. Take some deep breaths when you see them or when your heart starts to race. Choose your words carefully and speak slowly. Try not to allow your thoughts of them to consume your day; continue taking care of yourself and your responsibilities. If thoughts of them are taking over your mind, distract yourself. Hang out with friends or family who aren't connected to your best friend. Get a project done that gets your body moving, like cleaning the house or painting your room. Begin to set the tone for a potential romance through flirtation. Flirt with them slightly on occasion to assess their feelings for you. If they flirt back with you, this will help you be more confident in asking them out. Lean into them slightly when they are speaking. Look softly at them in their eyes for a few seconds. Smile brightly when you first see them. Laugh at their jokes. Put your hand on their shoulder when laughing. You can also hug them when you see them and when you are about to leave. Most people like to be complimented, so use this to your advantage while letting them know that you admire them. If they look nice, let them know. If they do well on on assignment at work or school, let them know that you respect their intellect and diligence. You can also begin to hint at you two going on a date. By doing this, you can better gauge their interest in becoming romantic with you and you can determine how to move forward. You might say something like "You know, everyone keeps asking if we date. Do people ask you that a lot, too?" Remember that physical attraction is critical in establishing a romance. Take special care of your hygiene, hair and clothes, particularly while you are trying to garner their romantic interest. Perhaps they like a certain scent; try to wear that fragrance more often.
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One-sentence summary --
Approach your feelings calmly. Flirt. Compliment them more. Throw out hints. Look your best.