The most dreaded question an individual my age might have to answer is, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” If I were still five years old, writing to my future self, I would say I wanted to be a nurse. If you were to ask me those same questions a few years later, I would say a writer. But now, after years of living my life, I can’t promise you I know for sure, but I could say I’ve been figuring out more about what I am passionate about. 

 As a young student, I didn’t feel my voice mattered. I had seen the greats change the world through their speeches and movements, but who was I to think I could ever make an impact like that? After my time as a scholar in journalism, I know this is wrong.  

 I started to gain a voice and true passion for journalistic activism when I joined a newspaper class my freshman year. This class sparked an eagerness to spread information and connect stories to the community. As I worked up to Editor in Chief, I was able to see the true effect media stories have on individuals in the community. These stories give people voices and tell unique and unheard narratives. I was able to diversify my high school and give recognition to students and staff members who had important topics to discuss. 

 I found myself connecting the ideas and skills I had learned in my journalism classes in every aspect of my life: I was writing AP Research papers on student journalists, networking with specialists and pursuing multiple internships within journalism.  

 After all these experiences within journalism these past four years, I realized my voice was always there. I hope to continue to use this voice and tell others unheard stories in college and beyond in my future career. In the fall, I will attend Brigham Young University where I plan to major in Journalism and Political Science. 

 Everyone has a voice, and everyone desires to be heard. Journalism has been an outlet for me to share my voice and the voices of others.

To learn more about the Student Press Law Center visit https://splc.org/ 

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