When I started writing for NDB’s student newspaper The Catalyst, there were two pieces of advice that pushed me to improve my communication and writing skills as a journalist: “It doesn’t matter where you start, but where you finish,” and “You need to advocate for what you believe in because you can’t always rely on someone to do that for you.”
I never considered myself an exceptional writer. Ever since I can remember, I constantly excelled in STEM subjects, but the closest I got to feeling excited about writing anything outside of my required English classes was a stray Yelp review about a macaroon store. However, as I begin my tenure as editor in chief of The Catalyst, I can confidently say that journalism has shaped me into the person and writer I am today.
After pondering whether or not to attend a Journalism Club meeting, it was the idea of seeing my name printed in a newspaper that ultimately got me to go at the start of sophomore year. In that meeting, I was greeted by editors who were quick to answer questions and offer helpful advice, and it was their friendly faces that encouraged me to continue writing articles.
For my junior year, I joined the Journalism class and became the news editor, a role that taught me the value of attentiveness and persistence. Whether it was editing articles, putting the finishing touches on my Adobe InDesign spread or searching for a pesky Oxford comma in the wee hours of the night, I left each experience with more respect for the media and its power to make a positive impact on the community.
After writing for this newspaper for almost two years, The Catalyst has given my staff and me, a platform to assert our opinions on pressing issues and spark change. As someone who had failed to stand up for myself, time and time again, and resorted to staying silent, even as issues were unfolding right in front of me, it makes me smile to think about the impact that journalism has on sharing a voice not unlike my own.
I admit that daunting challenges and pressures come with the responsibility of using journalism to advocate for what we want. Even as our stress levels increase as the deadline to finish the newspaper inches closer by the day, the feeling of holding the physical newspaper in our hands for the first time is an incredibly rewarding feeling I could not change for the world.
As I reflect on my time involved with The Catalyst, I am reminded of those who supported me for the past two years.
Thank you to my predecessor, former Editor in Chief Mia Muzzi, one of the most hardworking people I know, for trusting me to assume this position. Your passion for writing and producing newsworthy content has inspired so many students, like myself, to become the best journalists and people they can be.
Thank you to my fellow Cross Country Co-Captain and Managing Editor Lauren Zerella, who I have the privilege of working alongside this year. I would never have thought asking you for the Wi-Fi password during freshman year would lead us to become the best of friends.
Thank you to my parents and my best friend, Christian, for offering help when I was stuck and reassuring me as the most stressful deadlines approached. I cannot appreciate you all enough for being an instrumental part of my growth.
Of course, I could never forget Journalism Adviser Robert Rojas, who saw a potential in me that I did not see in myself. Thank you for being the most dedicated writing mentor and sharing your passion for amplifying students’ voices.
Finally, thank you to the readers of The Catalyst. Without your support, this publication would not be possible.
