The first thing you learn in journalism are the 5 Ws and 1 H.
Who, what, where, when, why, and how — the information needed to piece together a complex puzzle of information and create a story full of answers. Journalism is a network of people fighting to share the truth.
In high school, I found I fell into that network. I became curious about what was going on around me, whether it was a new rule at school, a budget crisis, or fashion questions; I found myself naturally asking questions and wanting to find and publish answers.
Throughout freshman year, I had no way to find out what was real information and what wasn’t. My news came from rumors I heard around the halls, I was a listener, not a seeker. I didn’t know where to look for basic things such as important deadlines, dates, and what was going on in classes and school. I also didn’t know where to turn when looking for information about politics or bigger issues outside of school. What’s worse, I had no direction or passion. I was an inactive member of my community, floating amongst the many.
Sophomore year, I joined journalism, expecting an easy elective I could use to boost my GPA. I discovered that instead of a class where we learned about the news, I had unknowingly joined my school newspaper and was given a voice I had not yet discovered.
I started as a quiet writer before I learned that my voice could be heard through my articles. Then, I started using my voice to speak out about the issues I and others cared about, such as teacher pay and new policies.
I wrote a news article about the teachers’ financial situations when hope was fleeting for AAPS. I tried to inform students and families about what they could do to offer support. I wrote about students’ opinions on the new phone policy in order to make their voices heard by the administration. I wrote an editorial to make my voice heard about the healthcare premium increase on the teachers by the school board.
Through writing, I discovered I had a voice which I had never previously used. I could feel my stories making a difference in the school community and decided I found my role within society. I know I am entering a world where it is difficult for young people to make their voices heard — that’s why I will use the power of the press to release real and verified information through my stories.
At its core, journalism is about service: informing, uniting, and entertaining. It is used to make silent voices heard, and quiet voices amplified, mine included.
Now, I find myself integrating journalism into my life everyday, asking myself the journalistic 5 W’s + H in everything I do.
Who do I want to become?
What can I do to help?
When will I take the steps to become a journalist?
Where do I want this new-found passion to take me?
Why do I love seeking and answering questions?
How can I make my voice and the voice of others amplified?
