An unexpected path 

Going into journalism was never my first pick. Throughout middle school and freshman year I took fine arts classes and even tried the culinary program, but none of it seemed right for me. My sophomore year, I moved from Rock Hill to Walnut Grove, and so many opportunities opened up for me. I took risks and my schedule took a complete 180 from the previous years. I tried out for the tennis team, and I left a program I had participated in for the last 3 years of my life. I had no idea how to fill my extra credit, so when I looked through the available classes, I saw the newspaper and decided to give it a try. I had always loved to read and write, so the idea of having an outlet at school to publish my written works excited me. I never imagined how much my life would change because of it. 

The teacher 

Walking into that classroom felt immediately like walking into a home. I knew I belonged. What solidified my decision to stay was my teacher, Ms. Mersmann. She has been an inspiration to me all of these years and taught me so much about journalism and life in general. She has shown me what it is like to not give up in the face of adversity and keep pursuing my goals even if I need to pivot slightly.

Gaining experience and love for the program 

Starting newspaper was a challenge, because I had never written anything as structured as journalism. I had no prior knowledge of journalistic writing or photography. I fell in love with it when attending my first water polo match, so close to the action that I could feel the water splash on my face as one of the athletes lifted himself out of the water to score a goal. Taking a picture of that precise moment told that athlete’s story of all the training leading to that one shot. Newspaper gave me access to one-on-one interviews with people from all different backgrounds. I interviewed people from a child actor in major films to students running a restaurant created to honor a former coach who passed away from cancer. I researched, wrote, and published another article about a senior starting an international nonprofit providing medical access to underprivileged areas, which granted me behind-the-scenes access to the early mornings and late nights of the startup. I organized and executed a photo shoot to show how fashion students gained inspiration from various design magazines. The sense of partnership from the combined effort was extremely rewarding. 

Preparation for the future 

Through my role, I made connections from theater to non-profit executive directors. I see how something as simple as taking photos for a class is meaningful to a club advisor and their students. I have also learned a lot about the world in my time on staff. Journalism has taught me to find the truth behind every view point. My generation struggles with deeper connections. In the fall I  will attend Brigham Young University and will major in English eduction. Due to journalism, I have been able to dive beyond the surface to showcase the small but meaningful experiences of others, revealing profound impact and depth through which I have learned life lessons. I am excited to put to use the knowledge and confidence I have gained over the past 3 years. I know that if I put in effort and move past trials, I can accomplish anything in my future. 

With love,

Kenna