I stood behind the podium at the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association’s Fall Convention, surrounded by students, advisers, and professional journalists. It was a homecoming for me, reminding me of the power of beginnings. I spoke about my journey from earning my journalism degree at Southern Miss to teaching and freelancing in the industry.
I realized that detours don’t derail purpose; they refine it. After graduating, I didn’t pursue broadcasting due to family responsibilities, but instead found myself in the classroom. Teaching became my newsroom, and students became my audience. I poured into teaching, not realizing journalism was waiting for me to come back.
Through teaching and freelancing, I learned that journalism is a calling rooted in service. Storytelling is an act of service, whether in a classroom or a newsroom. When I finally made it into a full-time newsroom, my work became about illuminating truth, amplifying voices, and making information accessible and meaningful.
I reminded students that their voices matter now, not someday. I encouraged educators to teach courage alongside craft, connect with real journalists and real newsrooms, and reach back to lift up the next generation of journalists. Our job is to nurture the spark in young journalists, give them tools, and make sure they know their work matters.
The future of journalism is already here, and it’s essential to invest in the next generation. We must cherish gatherings like this convention, where we can inspire and empower the next wave of journalists. As I left that day, I spoke directly to those students: “Your voice is not small; your story is not insignificant. Your truth can change the world.”
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/editors-note-teach-young-journalists-to-ask-better-questions-and-report-with-depth-empathy