Over my three years on newspaper staff, there’s one single thing I regret — not writing enough opinion stories. I wrote a single dueling opinion throughout my 21 issues about how I LOVE winter. Not at all polarizing, not at all truly significant to the beliefs I hold. I was so, so afraid of the backlash I would receive from other people who held different opinions.
Yet, while so worried about the other people, I forgot about my people in Newspaper who would support me. The staff that would advocate for my voice. The staff that would, instead, be proud that I did so. Each year, I formed friendships with people who joined the class, making them as we wrote, designed and photographed each issue, web story and Instagram post. Thus, walking into Room 518 was never daunting. It was a space where I could talk with all my friends, stuff my face with treats on Fridays and most importantly, do the thing I love.
Journalism was a subject I never knew I would fall in love with. I knew I liked writing, but even then, the thought of joining Newspaper never dawned on me before I took 21st Century Journalism. But doing so was one of, if not, the best choices I made in my life. I was not only able to further my passion for writing but also learned the importance of covering topics others are afraid of bringing up.
I began to understand how covering every person’s perspective in the school was so essential, as it illustrated the various passions that were within one building. I realized the cruciality of reporting accurate information amidst polarizing tensions, and how significant, albeit awkward, it is to start difficult conversations. Thus, Newspaper has transformed me into the thoughtful person I am today, finding meaning in the little things and striving to form and understand connections.
These realizations wouldn’t have been possible without Mrs. Huss, who was there for every step of my journey. From helping me as I struggled to pen tool a penguin in InDesign for 21st Century Journalism to yapping with me after school as we waited for the car line to clear, Huss has supported me throughout my high school career. When asked who my favorite teacher is, there’s no room for doubt. I know immediately who I’m going to say because she’s such a hilarious, smart and caring diva.
Consequently, this is why it’s so important to try new things. You never know what you may love. You may form friendships with people you may never have thought you would and have experiences — like carving a Roblox face onto a pumpkin — that you can only have if you try.
Above all, having a support system can embolden you. With encouragement from the people around you, you can become empowered to speak out and express yourself authentically. Being your true self, unafraid of criticism and challenges is the biggest, yet hardest, thing to do. That desire to fit in, especially as a teenager, is so strong it affects everyone. Conforming is the easy thing to do.
But stand out. Speak out about the topics you’re passionate about and pursue the interests you want to. Discover untold narratives and foster intentional discourse. Whether you’re a journalist or not, make your mark and help others do the same — hopefully in a world transformed.
