My Story

As I reflect on my journey from freshman year of high school to now, I realize that the path that led me to where I am today was shaped by a combination of curiosity, guidance, and a genuine passion that grew stronger with time. What started as a simple suggestion from my sister has transformed into a profound commitment to journalism. It’s hard to believe that just four years ago, I was unsure of what I wanted to do, and now, I’ve been accepted into one of the top communications schools in the country — Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. My story, like any good narrative, is one of growth, discovery, and a deepening connection to the world around me.

It was the beginning of my freshman year in high school when I faced the daunting task of selecting my electives. Like many students, I was unsure of what path to follow. That’s when my older sister, who had already navigated the high school maze, gave me a piece of advice that would forever change the course of my life: “Take journalism.” At the time, I wasn’t sure what it entailed or if it was something I would enjoy. But with the need to fulfill an elective requirement, I decided to follow her suggestion, figuring that it couldn’t hurt to try.

From the first day of that journalism class, I was hooked. The teacher, who I didn't know would become my best mentor and trusted adult in our community, was so unbelievably passionate about journalism and shaping the next generations of journalists. Not only that but the assignments were engaging, and I quickly realized that journalism was more than just writing. It was about storytelling, connecting with people, and making sense of the world around me. I found myself coming home after a swim meet or basketball practice going back to my laptop to work on articles, getting lost in interviews, and learning the ins and outs of publishing. I felt like I had discovered something important—something that clicked with me in a way nothing else had.

As I moved into my sophomore and junior years, my love for journalism only grew. I took another journalism class where I found myself writing multiple articles per week, while producing various social media and YouTube content.I took on more responsibility moving from a Staff Reporter freshman year to now a Sports Editor sophomore year. I became involved in every aspect of the publication—from reporting and editing to photography and design. I spent countless hours learning the finer points of writing a compelling story, crafting an effective headline, and understanding the ethics of journalism. I learned how to ask the right questions during interviews and how to sift through information to get to the heart of the story.

In my junior year I took yet again another journalism class realizing this was exactly what I wanted to do in life. I then became the first ever Junior at our school to be named the Editor-In-Chief for our school newspaper. During these years, I began to understand that journalism wasn’t just a passion—it was a commitment to the truth. I became more attuned to the role that journalists play in society: as watchdogs, storytellers, and conveyors of important issues. Whether I was covering school events, interviewing teachers and students, or writing about local events happening in our community, I was learning how to convey not just facts, but the nuances of the human experience. Journalism taught me how to think critically and write clearly, skills that have served me well both in and out of the classroom. This made me more excited to start doing other journalism work outside of school. One of the many things I got the opportunity to do was, work with our local public access television channel.

By the summer going into my senior year, I knew that journalism was no longer just a hobby or an elective. It had become a core part of who I am. I narrowed down my college search list and researched to find the most prestigious journalism schools in the country. There I found two schools I fell in love with, Arizona State University and Syracuse University. Two of the top programs, I knew either would be a great option. After much research and reflection, I set my sights on Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. Known for its outstanding journalism program and emphasis on hands-on learning, Newhouse felt like the perfect place for me to continue my education and develop as a journalist. I poured my heart into my application, knowing that this was the next step in the journey I had started back in freshman year. After applying Early Decision to Syracuse and waiting for my portal to be updated I tried to keep myself as busy as possible. Searching for anything and everything to write about, coming up with any new ideas for our social media to get everyone excited to be back at school. I also sought out internships and opportunities to practice my craft outside of school, eager to learn from professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the field. With each experience, my passion for journalism only deepened.

And now, as I look ahead to the next chapter of my life, I am thrilled to share that I have been accepted into the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. I will be part of the Class of 2029, and I couldn’t be more excited to begin this new adventure. I am grateful for every moment of my high school journey that led me to this point—from the encouragement of not only my sister but all of my family, to the lessons I’ve learned both inside and outside the classroom. Journalism has taught me more than just how to write; it has taught me how to think critically, how to ask important questions, and how to be a voice for those who may not have one.

As I prepare to embark on my college journey, I am confident that the passion I’ve developed over these past four years will continue to drive me forward. I know that I have only scratched the surface of what journalism has to offer, and I am eager to dive deeper into the field, learning from the best and contributing to a world where storytelling matters.

In many ways, it all began with a simple suggestion from my sister. But now, it’s clear that journalism is no longer just an elective or a class—it’s my future. And as I step into the world of professional journalism, I know that my journey is just beginning.