Staff Editorial

Whether it’s COVID-19, presidential elections, the Black Lives Matter movement or the overturning of Roe v. Wade, within the last couple of years Marian girls have become more reliant on journalism. Instagram feeds have become flooded with reposts of news articles addressing the major events America is undergoing. After the recent elections in Nebraska, such news articles monopolized conversations at school. Printed words truly impact those reading them, and not just when it comes to the headlines that reach all 50 states. 

It has become common to be informed and have opinions on matters of our country. However, with national news spreading like wildfire reaching individuals across the map, people can lose touch with their local community. Journalism at Marian curates a stronger connection between students and their local community. Although this connection may seem insignificant compared to the headlines reaching people around the globe, it is these connections that help maintain a healthy and functioning democracy. 

Marian girls hardly hear of one of their own featured in mainstream news. Students learn from a young age that it takes a lot of noise to be heard across the United States. With so many voices echoing within the country, individuals are left questioning if it is even worth making a sound. Journalism at Marian negates feelings of inferiority that discourage students from voicing their opinions and teaches young women that their voices are worthy of attention. Young individuals must be taught that they deserve to be heard because outside of a learning environment, there will be times when individuals are told they should be voiceless. Journalism teaches girls to be confident in amplifying their own voices in the future when there is no one there holding the microphone for them. 

Girls at Marian are continually encouraged to stay informed on what’s going on in the world, but this is easier said than done. With an overwhelming amount of different news sources and coverage on all aspects of life, knowing where to begin can seem almost impossible. Students need a guidepost to help simplify their journey of staying informed, and they don’t have to look far to find it. Students on the Newspaper staff are constantly encouraged to diversify their stories so that each student can find coverage of something that directly impacts or relates to their lives. Each article connects to the lives of Marian students so that readers know they are keeping up to date with relevant news. 

Not only does journalism allow students to easily find information regarding their lives, but it also inspires them to stand out. Nearly every student in the United States has sat through a history class learning about the Constitutional Convention and how the framers of the Constitution utilized new ideas to establish the democracy America maintains today. Original thoughts and new ideas are the foundation and bloodline of democracy, and journalism allows these characteristics to be expressed. Journalism students are constantly brainstorming ideas for stories that aren’t found in the mainstream media. Through graphic design and creative layouts, Marian girls are encouraged to be innovative and original. 

These skills establish a mindset that isn’t typically found in most subjects taught in school. While many aspects of school look for students to provide one expected answer, journalism allows students to be spontaneous and bold. Students work together to find solutions, create new ideas and appeal to the majority of an audience. Democracy gives the power to the people, for the good of the people. Journalism continually teaches students to give power to the students at Marian by giving them a platform to express themselves, and a tool to stay connected to the Marian community. Most importantly, it teaches students the skills necessary to work for the good of the people that will allow them to succeed beyond the walls of Marian.