Reflection Essay
I think the importance of journalism speaks for itself. Someone took one for the team, and asked the awkward questions for the sole purpose of revealing the truth to the public. I have seen first hand how journalism can affect the world for the better. I have personally witnessed the impact that journalism can have not only on an individual, but on a community.
My sophomore year, I wrote a story covering the annual JROTC inspection, which would determine whether the 48 year long program would continue in our school. Though the inspection was significant to numerous students involved in the club, the majority of our student body and community weren’t aware of the difficult task these students were about to face. When the book was published and the story was released, our fellow students and community were informed about the high stakes this club was under. Our story prompted the community to encourage the students and have pride in their accomplishments for passing the inspection. This story helped open the eyes of the community to be more aware of the tasks its students are facing on a daily basis. The more the community became aware of the obstacles the more inclined they were to get involved and encourage the students.
In yearbook I believe one of my main jobs is providing a platform for people with stories that haven’t been shared. Whether you’re a basketball player going to military basic training on the weekends or a choir member in a rock band, I feel responsible for getting your perspective to the public. I wrote another story in my sophomore year about the 2016 election. Instead of focusing entirely on each side of the political party, I also wanted to get other perspectives on politics in general. Instead of quotes of Trump or Clinton, I got a student passionate about voting. This student felt that it was our generation’s duty to vote, this was the story I wanted to tell that no one had heard. I’ve always had a philosophy in journalism that no matter how many people you interview, there is always another story to tell, and I think that it’s my job to find that one more story.
I think the importance of journalism speaks for itself. Someone took one for the team, and asked the awkward questions for the sole purpose of revealing the truth to the public. I have seen first hand how journalism can affect the world for the better. I have personally witnessed the impact that journalism can have not only on an individual, but on a community.
My sophomore year, I wrote a story covering the annual JROTC inspection, which would determine whether the 48 year long program would continue in our school. Though the inspection was significant to numerous students involved in the club, the majority of our student body and community weren’t aware of the difficult task these students were about to face. When the book was published and the story was released, our fellow students and community were informed about the high stakes this club was under. Our story prompted the community to encourage the students and have pride in their accomplishments for passing the inspection. This story helped open the eyes of the community to be more aware of the tasks its students are facing on a daily basis. The more the community became aware of the obstacles the more inclined they were to get involved and encourage the students.
In yearbook I believe one of my main jobs is providing a platform for people with stories that haven’t been shared. Whether you’re a basketball player going to military basic training on the weekends or a choir member in a rock band, I feel responsible for getting your perspective to the public. I wrote another story in my sophomore year about the 2016 election. Instead of focusing entirely on each side of the political party, I also wanted to get other perspectives on politics in general. Instead of quotes of Trump or Clinton, I got a student passionate about voting. This student felt that it was our generation’s duty to vote, this was the story I wanted to tell that no one had heard. I’ve always had a philosophy in journalism that no matter how many people you interview, there is always another story to tell, and I think that it’s my job to find that one more story.