Attending Stony Brook University  

During the summer before my freshman year, I became warped into the world of journalism, begging my parents to pay for my New York Times subscription so I can catch up on any current events happening in the world. From that summer, I knew I wanted to be the one writing those stories. 

It’s no secret that I’m an anxious person. So upon realizing that I missed the first few meetings of The Courant my freshman year, I thought it was over for me, there goes my chance at being a journalist. Dramatic, I know. After sending a hopeful email to Mrs. Semple, asking if there’s still a chance of me joining, I was in. 

Through the next years that followed, I have had the opportunity to grow as an individual, meet new people, and so much more. The Courant has been an integral part of my high school journey. The journalistic process in itself has contributed to my growth.

1. Story Pitches: At every story pitch deadline, I found myself at a loss of ideas. Having to come up with three article ideas every time that would be both timely and engaging was easier said than done. I knew that I couldn’t sit around each time and hope that something would come to me, I had to research before anything. During my sophomore year I went to each department’s office and asked around for events that any staff member knew of and would jot it down on my list of ideas. Coming up with ideas for upcoming articles taught me to take initiative and to not take the easy way out. 
2. The Interview: The most daunting part of journalism is often the interviewing aspect. I was no exception from the intimidation that interviewing holds. The thought of having to reach out to students and faculty that I didn’t know was nerve wracking, but it had to be done and the more I did it, the more natural it became. Learning to master the art of interviewing allowed me to break out of my shell and become more confident in my voice. 
3. Writing: Journalism is very different from the writing I was accustomed to in my English classes. Lede, transition, and then quote. Having to write in this unfamiliar format was definitely a learning curve for me but I was determined to have it down perfectly. After studying articles from years prior, it was time for me to put my learning into practice. Upon receiving the comments on my first article, my eyes focused on the comment left by the Editor in Chief at the time, an applause on my formatting. Despite the grammatical and spelling errors I was able to have a small moment of celebration for my feat of the journalism format. Journalism has allowed me to gain a new perspective and understand that different tasks need different approaches.
4. Revisions: From the last four years, I remember the same message being shared by Mrs. Semple every year to the staff writers before corrections are made, it is to not be discouraged or upset from the revisions made by the editors, they’re to help you. When hearing this for the first time, I didn’t pay much mind to it but after seeing my story with a rainbow of different pens, I did feel discouraged for a moment. After each story, I was able to see my writing improve, each time there was less and less ink on my articles. By my sophomore year, I was able to truly appreciate the saying, “practice makes perfect.” When starting to edit other writers’ stories during my junior year, I was able to see the improvement of all the writers in The Courant. Revisions served as a way to show me that when effort is put in, it doesn’t go unnoticed from yourself and others. 

As I embark on my next educational journey, the anxiety I feel is soothed by the memories and lessons learned during my time as a writer for The Courant. 

I would like to thank Mrs. Semple for giving me the space to learn about myself and become not only a better writer but a better person as well. As Editor in Chief this year I was able to truly admire your dedication towards the high school’s publications. Your passion for the craft of journalism has made me eager to become the best writer I can be. Working with you for the last four years has been a gift and I look forward to seeing what you do with The Courant in the coming years. 

I would also like to thank Mrs. Houston for cultivating my passion towards global politics and the importance of human rights. Your enthusiasm for the topics you teach inspire me to continue learning outside the classroom and become an advocate. Room 216 is home to my best memories of my high school career. Thank you for the kindness and empathy you shared with me. ◼️