What is the Value of Journalism?

When I entered high school, I knew I was going to join the student-led newspaper. I imagined a scene similar to the one in Gilmore Girls: a packed room with students passionate about their community writing, telling important stories, bouncing ideas off each other, and working collaboratively to deliver school and worldwide news in a meaningful and impactful way. 

What I found at the Lab Report was as close to my Gilmore Girls dream as I could have imagined. There was no overbearing Paris Geller; instead, Aidan Hatzimemos and Noah Stern created an environment in which students learned writing skills and gained confidence. Every week, Ms. Zimmer’s classroom was full of students excited and eager to write and contribute to the publication.

Unfortunately, because of Covid, I did not find this environment until my sophomore year. During my freshman year online, I explored publishing my writing outside of school clubs. During the spring of 2021, I grew increasingly frustrated with the city's failure to open schools after vaccinations and medical professionals’ clearance. I grew restless at home while my siblings were in school. I complained to anyone who would listen and finally, my dad suggested I do something about it. Although I had little power in the situation, I decided a way to make an impact would be to write. The next day I sat down and wrote five pages, and two days later I sent out a finished product to The New York Daily News. Several days later, they reached out and agreed to publish my article. I was ecstatic. My article, "Student says public high schools uncertainty about opening reflects lousy leadership" was published on March 17, 2021.

It was this piece that ignited my love for journalism. Instead of complaining and talking about the issue, I wrote an article. I felt like I was making a difference. I was making a difference. 

Since then, my involvement in student publications has grown. I became a dedicated contributor to The Lab Report and eventually an editor of the Op-Ed and In the World sections. When the opportunity to start a second, online publication at Lab presented itself, I jumped at the chance to participate in The Swamp. These roles within the community are incredibly important to me and I do not take them for granted. My positions have given me a platform to share with the community the issues and topics I find important. 

Oftentimes in our community, students complain and talk incessantly about conflicts and problems. I urge you, students and community members, to take action. Find an outlet as I have and use it to build a platform. There is a power in all of you and I implore you to find it and use it.