Since I joined the school newspaper, I’ve realized that media is much more than just a tool for entertainment. Initially, I joined out of curiosity, thinking it would be a fun, light extracurricular activity. But as I worked with the team, I began to see how important media is for sharing ideas, educating, and even inspiring others.
Teamwork played a huge role, but one event made me understand the true power of media. During the Valentine’s Day edition, we decided to create a section where students could anonymously share notes of appreciation for teachers. I was nervous about how it would be received, but the response was more powerful than I expected.
After the edition was published, students came up to me and talked about it. Many shared how reading the notes made them rethink how they appreciated teachers, and some even expressed how it made them feel more connected to their peers. It wasn’t just about the notes; it was about the conversation it sparked and the sense of community it created.
Not only did this event show me how media can connect people, but it also taught me how it can influence thoughts and behaviors. It’s not just about writing articles for fun—it’s about creating moments that make people reflect and feel seen.
For me, this was a turning point. I learned that media has the ability to inform, inspire, and change perspectives. It made me understand the responsibility that comes with creating content that affects others.
Driven by this realization, I’m excited to bring my passion for media to Stanford, where I can continue creating content that connects and inspires people in meaningful ways.