If you were to tell me four years ago that I would be applying to be Journalist of the Year I might have laughed in your face. As a high school freshman, I found myself wandering aimlessly unsure of my path or purpose. Sitting in the agriculture classes during my freshman year of high school hoping for my dreams of owning a pet cow. It was amidst this uncertainty that I stumbled upon an opportunity that would change my life forever. With little prior experience and a spontaneous decision, I applied for a position on the yearbook staff, never imagining that it would become the cornerstone of my high school experience. And, little did I know that this would be the best decision of my life. 

I dove headfirst into learning new skills and immersing myself in programs like InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Illustrator. Through dedication and self-teaching, I also honed my photography skills, capturing moments that would become memories cherished by my peers and school community. Through my lens, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of photography on the lives I capture. Each click of the shutter not only freezes moments in time but also immortalizes the spirit and stories of our school’s culture. However, one moment that stands out vividly in my career is a solemn yet powerful scene of a football player holding his former teammate’s

jersey during the beginning of the game runout. The weight of loss hung heavy

in the air as he honored his friend's passing from a fatal shooting yet amidst the

grief there was a flicker of remembrance. Capturing that moment wasn’t just

about preserving a scene, it was about encapsulating raw emotion within. As I

shared the photograph with him, witnessing the flood of emotions that ensued, I

realized the transformative power of photography. It’s in these moments of

vulnerability and authenticity that I’ve grown not only as a journalist but also as a

compassionate storyteller, understanding the profound impact images can have

on shaping narratives and preserving legacies.  My passion for storytelling

through images propelled me to the position of photo editor of the yearbook

staff where I was entrusted with the responsibility of curating the visual

narrative of our yearbook and taking charge of running the photography department. 

However, my journey in journalism didn't end with the yearbook. I expanded my horizons by joining the newspaper staff where I continued to contribute as a photographer while exploring new avenues of journalistic publication. Alongside this, I embraced roles such as Quill and Scroll Vice President and Klein Oak Football Social Media Intern, each opportunity shaping me into a more versatile and well-rounded journalist.

As my senior year unfolded, I assumed the prestigious position of yearbook co-editor-in-chief which was a testament to the growth and leadership I had demonstrated throughout my high school career. Simultaneously, I embarked on an internship with VYPE U Media further solidifying my commitment to the field of journalism having the opportunity for hands-on experience covering sporting events and conducting interviews in real time.
Through these experiences, I discovered the profound impact of storytelling and the power of giving voice to those within my school and community. Each interview and each photograph became a part of connection, empathy, and understanding. I found joy in shedding light on the untold narratives and amplifying the voices of those around me.

What began as a whim evolved into the most transformative and fulfilling journey of my high school years. Joining the yearbook staff has felt like joining a second family; walking into room 163 every day has brought me so much joy, and learning the power of journalism has been the most rewarding experience. Being a part of the publication staff has given me an unparalleled experience allowing me to explore the intricacies of storytelling and to capture lasting memories for my school community. Journalism became not just a passion but a calling, guiding me toward a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. I am grateful for the lessons learned, the relationships found, and the countless stories shared. As I venture into the next chapter of my life, I carry with me the invaluable lessons and memories gleaned from my time as a high school journalist into college at Tarleton State University, forever grateful for the opportunity to have found my voice.