There is a specific type of required bravery to sit across from a stranger and ask the difficult questions that need to be answered. While the end goal of journalism is usually to tell a story, one of the unforeseen benefits can be networking opportunities. This strength is built not only in interviewing students so that their voices can be heard but also in your own creative expression, through the words that you work hard to string together in a perfect symphony of journalism.
This process can strip away the social barriers that might exist between grade levels and peer groups and pushes you outside of your comfort zone, initiating a level of engagement that doesn’t always happen in a classroom setting.
“[Newspaper is] a good way for students to connect with other students and learn about the school or just people in general,” said junior and newspaper veteran Beth Ann Giordano.
Beyond simple conversation, these interactions can function as a form of primary research. By gathering diverse perspectives, students learn how to incorporate different viewpoints into a cohesive and informational narrative, a skill that requires both emotional intelligence and an objective approach.
This technique can act as a communicative bridge, allowing students to step outside of their own independent social hierarchies and engage with the broader campus population.
“I think [the voice of the student body] matters because it helps everyone grow as a community and connect more and branch out from their small friend groups,” said Giordano.
The transition from social observation to active reporting can change students’ roles within the school. By moving beyond immediate social circles, student journalism can create a baseline for the community that replaces campus rumors with verified accounts. This demand for accuracy requires a high level of personal organization, turning the act of writing into a tool of self reflection.
“[Writing] can help you lay out your thoughts, express your opinions and beliefs and help you learn,” said sophomore Kaitlyn Hatt.
The internal mapping of ideas is essential to the journalistic process. When a writer is forced to structure their beliefs for a public audience, they often find that the rigor of the craft can clarify their own understanding of the subject matter.
Ultimately, the work that comes out of student journalism sometimes is not only about recording events; it can also be an outlet for students to express their knowledge and form their own narratives.
