Search of Truth or Mere Competition?

Here comes another year, another battle ground of minds and talents, surrounded by echoing eagerness of student and teacher journalists, I can't help but ponder the true nature of their endeavors. Are they here, or am I here, to chase the essence of journalism—the relentless search of truth and objectivity? Or is this simply a competition, an extracurricular activity that fills our long list of achievements?

Journalism, at its core, is about uncovering the truths that seem impossible to bring to light, no matter how inconvenient or uncomfortable it may be. It's about holding the truth and giving voice to the voiceless. Still, as I watch my fellow student journalists, I can't help but worry about a concerning trend—a focus on the sensational, the title, the attention-grabbing, rather than the essential. 

Don't get me wrong, as a student journalist myself, I witnessed and admire the passion, enthusiasm, and creativity my fellow student journalist bring to the table. They are, indeed, the future of journalism, and their zeal is a testament to the greatness of this field. I can't help but wonder, though, if the true essence of journalism has been overshadowed in the midst of this fierce competition. And yes, this press conferences and the bylines are part of being a journalist, but they are merely tools in serving a greater purpose. 

As I sit here, scribbling in my notebook, I can’t help, again, but question myself as well. It's a challenge, to be sure, but one that I'm willing to take on. The bottom line is: journalism isn't a game—it's a sacred trust, a responsibility to the people you serve. And if us, student journalists, can genuinely live to that ethos, then perhaps we will truly embody the essence of journalism, and not just a mere competition.