StaffEditorial

The news world needs you. Plain and simple. Every week, there is another news source that gets shut down for millions of Americans, limiting the accessibility of information and differing viewpoints for many. 

News deserts, or communities that are no longer covered by a daily newspaper, are becoming all too common, but a new generation of journalists can fix that. Journalism is more than just print news; it is the light in the dark that gives a voice to the voiceless. 

Now, this all seems pretty biased coming from the newspaper staff, but journalism has been more than just a class. It has helped us to evolve in all areas of our lives.  

Even if we are not planning on pursuing journalism in the future, the skills we have learned, like self-confidence, communication and collaboration will stay with us wherever our journey takes us. 

Journalism is a vital part of our everyday lives. In a school where we’re encouraged to stay informed and up-to-date on local, national and international events, we use journalism more than we think. Even the smallest tid-bits of knowledge can spur a conversation with others. This is the power of journalism.  

Journalists are judged on their accuracy, often making them the most reliable sources. Especially in the political sphere, journalists are the main sources of information for citizens, helping them to engage in civil discourse.

 In fact, journalists act like the fourth branch of government, providing a check on all other branches and the members within them. If information was passed on from one person to another, then inaccuracy would go unchecked. Because of this, a lesson that all journalists (and superheroes) learn is that: “With great power comes great responsibility.” 

Mediums like photo, online, broadcast and print journalism allow for journalists to report and comment on the world around them in different ways. A new world opened for journalists when online news became more mainstream. 

High school students are welcomed to the world of news through journalism class, learning how to interview people, how to work a camera, and how to edit videos and write articles. Even if English is not your favorite subject, or if you are camera shy, there are several different things that you can pick up. 

The world of journalism is endless, with an infinite amount of possibilities available to those who dare to pick up a pen and write. You can stick with something you are comfortable and passionate about, whether it is the artistic realm of photo journalism or the fast-paced world of print news.  

Or, you can step outside of your comfort zone, something we have had to do more than once, and try something new. Always try new things. You never know if you will find your next passion. 

If you had told us at the beginning that we would be walking up to powerful and respected leaders and boldly asking for an interview, chances are, we would not have believed you. 

After a whole year of working on the student newspaper, several of us have interviewed politicians, like the Mayor, content creators and future leaders from all different walks of life. 

Interviewing many different people helps you to meet a variety of people, introducing you to new viewpoints and ways of life. Journalism has opened up our scope of the world, widening our horizons with new experiences, stories and knowledge. 

Sometimes, the story just doesn’t seem to work out, a computer gives up on you or your interviewee does not respond to any emails. Adaptability has come into play more than once, especially at the last second. 

Working with a team to try to detangle details and correct mistakes helped us develop a sense of empathy and collaboration, skills that we will no doubt take with us in our next steps of life. 

Journalism is a very powerful tool, with reporters having the power to shine a light on any corner of the world they want, sharing stories that make people think. Real change has been made by journalists, young and old. 

There is only so much we can do to convince you, so now, it is your turn to make the choice. Whether or not journalism is your calling, trying it will help you grow, providing you with skills that you will carry with you even after you walk the stage. It does not matter who you are, where you came from or who you want to be, journalism is for all.