My freshman self thought Journalism would be a cute class to enroll in because I’d be like Rory Gilmore from “Gilmore Girls.”
On the first day of class–arriving late, as I am notorious for–I came in with no expectations and a flatline standard. I just didn’t know what to expect! My sister had taken the class in quarantine, but her online experience was much more different than the real life one I was going to undergo.
In a class filled with unrecognizable faces, I was surprised to learn that almost every grade of students was clustered in the room. As an ice-breaker, we all gathered outside on the beautiful hot, summer-feel day. For the activity, we had to match the first letter of our name to an animal. I picked Jellyfish. Looking around the circle at my new classmates, I was oblivious to our soon companionships.
One of my favorite things about Journalism is that you can’t not make friends in the class. The class requires you to go talk to people–or else your articles won’t be published. In Journalism you learn the savvy ways of business and communications; I give you something (a story idea) and you give me something back (editing or art).
Over the course of the year, I was learning how to write like a journalist using AP Style, I made new friends with all kinds of people–people who have graduated three years ago but I still remember fondly of–and overall never ceased to be bored in class. I became so enthralled with the class I one time stole my sister’s newspaper themed dress, and wore it to school just to match the class; I was something else back then.
I learned how to take better pictures, learn to love the frustrating process of writing and deleting and re-writing and cutting and shifting and starting all over again. The rush of adrenaline I feel when my story is published is unmatched to this day.
Maybe you’re thinking, Well of course you like Journalism, you joined the class to write.
If I’m being completely honest, I didn’t even know if I wanted to write when I started highschool. I actually thought I was going to go into a STEM field like everyone else in my family. But Journalism made me realize my passion for the humanities.
Journalism has strict deadlines. Journalism can be very cut and dry. Journalism can be ruthless. Yet, all these combined make me a more persistent, passionate and curious person.
If you’ve ever hesitated joining Journalism because you don’t like writing or having to talk to a lot of people scares you– let me assure you, these temporary inhibitions dissolve immediately once you actually join. You will be so distracted creating unforgettable memories and endlessly coming up with fun and ambitious stories with the class, you won’t have time to check on your past insecurities and see if they manifested.
Journalism is like a tiny environment. Where each person plays a key role, each with their own unique symbiotic relationship. You need writers, you need editors, you need artists, you need photographers, you need visionaries, you need leaders, and so much more. There is no criteria to joining Journalism, just being curious is enough.
Journalism isn’t just important at school, it’s the heartbeat of the world. And when good, ethical Journalism is written, it moves people. Think of John Hersey’s “Hiroshima,” Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle.” Journalism is a part of our history and I am so thankful I can be a part of it. If you’ve ever wondered how to make an impact in the world, journalism is one way to go.
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