From a very young age I have always been interested in creatively expressing myself. Whether that be through drawing pictures at the age of three or taking photos and videos at the age of five. In my freshman year at BVH I decided to join Journalism Newspaper, the publication formally known as the Crusader; providing me with an opportunity to further my passions. Now, as a senior, the skills and principles I have learned from this creative outlet will allow me to apply them in college and my future career.

I initially joined the class under the impression I would solely focus on developing quality photos. However, I soon discovered other interests that I was hesitant to pursue. I, along with two other classmates, have been a part of this program since freshman year and have explored different roles on staff while working our way up. As an underclassmen, you truly look up to your peers, specifically those who are more experienced. In spite of being a freshman, the upperclassmen all treated me as an equal and taught me how to effectively report and cover events. 

Lemon Festival was my first experience both covering an event and becoming a reporter. I had almost no knowledge of anything and anyone in the class, as I had joined two weeks late. However, this experience was one of my favorite memories from freshman year and as a staff we continue to report on it annually. Covering events in my introductory year as a student journalist was crucial to my perception as I later traveled with the Ethnic Studies class on a field trip to Chicano park. The event led me to produce a nostalgic coverage with a fellow staff member on BVH Ethnic Studies classes learning and writing about Chicano Park, all while on a field trip. Having the ability to tell the story and portray the scene of the students examining historical murals at the park, sparked something inside of me as a journalist. I was able to immerse myself in the story as I experienced and covered the event live from the students’ perspective. 

Throughout my first year up to now, I have grown to learn the integrity and core values that a student journalist must attain. I was taught how in every single aspect of reporting on a topic, it is necessary to follow the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) code of ethics. The SPJ follows four guiding principles in order to achieve a “foundation of ethical journalism”. Throughout my journalistic career it has been important to stress the use of these principles. They are as follows: seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently and be accountable and transparent. 

Similar to the SPJ, the Journalism Newspaper class holds their own set of codes labeled the Crusader Honor Code. This code, while being unique to the Crusader, focuses predominantly on staff members withstanding academic and journalistic integrity. While reporting on events such as the annual Lemon Festival and the Ethnic Studies classes attending Chicano Park on a field trip, these core principles have become instilled in me.

Nearing the end of my freshman year, I successfully convinced a teammate to join the following year. Not only did the bond I shared with my peers grow close, but I now consider the newspaper staff as an extension of my family. Entering into my sophomore year I was interested in pursuing the honors portion of the staff; leading me to manage more responsibilities. With officially holding the title of Sports Page Editor, I held the power to accurately and fairly portray all sports on the BVH campus. This staff taught me elements of journalism and reporting that some high school students across the U.S. are not familiar with nor have resources accessible until they pursue Journalism in higher education.   

Transitioning into my junior year, I was encouraged to apply for a leadership position on the Editorial Board—a board of fellow staff members which oversee all elements surrounding the staff and production of all content for the Crusader—and received the title of Editor-at-Large. Meanwhile, I was able to continue producing content that I enjoyed.

My final year as a high school reporter, I applied for and received the title of Editor-in-Chief; overseeing the entirety of the publication and the functioning of the Crusader staff. This means I have the authority to approve or disapprove of proposed content and angles our staff is interested in covering. As Editor-in-Chief, I am held to higher expectations and am responsible for everything the Crusader staff produces.

In more ways than one, I can attribute my success of maintaining ethics, integrity and creativity as a journalist to the Crusader staff. While I am an introvert, the academic structure and students within the program forced me out of my comfort zone. They have broadened my opportunities and shaped me into a person that chooses to explore new approaches and questions current methods as a student-journalist. As the years go by, I have adapted everything I have learned on this staff, and incorporated it into my life, both academically and socially. Consequently, I currently consider myself to be an extroverted-introvert.

Now, after having been a part of the Journalism Newspaper program for four years, I plan to continue Journalism in higher education. I plan to translate everything that I have learned within the Crusader, to San Diego State University and my future career in the field of Sports Media. Do not be afraid to follow your passion, allowing room for growth and further knowledge has great potential for further pursuing interests. It may even lead you to greater unimaginable things.