Scholastic media has impacted me in a variety of ways. It has transformed me into a better listener, communicator, and leader. Coming into Bark, I always found the idea of writing stories intriguing, but I never fully understood the importance of trust, responsibility, and the ability to adapt to different situations. As a reporter, I published a variety of stories, including sports, features, and lifestyles, learning something new each and every time. Writing sports stories taught me how to capture the emotion and energy of the moment, while feature and lifestyle stories were more centered around asking insightful questions and creating a strong relationship with someone that you hardly knew. Through those experiences, I learned that meaningful journalism is not just about stating facts, it's about understanding people on a deeper level. Earning someone's trust allows me to write stories that make readers care.

What separates me from most journalists is my ability to connect with people on a personal level. My goal for every interview is to create an environment where the interviewee feels a sense of comfort that allows them to be vulnerable. I ask questions with intent in order to let the person reveal something honest about themselves. This skill has given me the opportunity to produce more meaningful quotes and create stories that feel personal. My favorite part of journalism is helping someone's voice be heard, especially in situations where someone may not have the confidence or ability to share it on their own. 

My experience in the Bark has also taught me that , despite what role you are given, becoming a leader is a choice. Leadership is not just about a label, it's about showing up even when it's not required. As a reporter, I was not expected to attend paste-up because that's typically the editor's responsibility. But I still went because I wanted to experience the process of what it is like to be a part of the work that brings the paper together. During paste-up, the editor in chief asked me to create a games page in case they needed backup to fill out a page. I took on the role and spent more than two hours making a creative word search and maze. I worked hard because I wanted it to look professional.

The next day, I helped create a last-second boys track infographic that was necessary to complete the sports page. These are the small things that show the kind of person I want to be in the Bark. It shows a lot about someone's character when they're capable of being helpful in a situation where there is no reward. To me, that is the most important part of becoming a leader. Being flexible and willing to work hard, knowing that others may not realize. Success happens when people are able to work together and view each other's success as their own.  

One of the biggest challenges I experienced during my time in the Cub section was understanding the editing process with my first story, which did not end up getting published. I was frustrated in the moment, but ultimately it played a significant role in my growth as a journalist. I learned the importance of communicating with editors and using their constructive feedback as a way to improve my writing. By the time I published my fourth story, I had a much better understanding of the editing process and felt more confident as a journalist. I specifically learned how to become more patient with revisions and to be more aware of the responsibility that comes with writing a story.   

Bark has shown me how journalism builds a foundation that goes far beyond writing stories. It builds leadership, adaptability, and the discipline to keep persevering through challenging moments. These qualities have led to my success in the program and will continue to motivate me to succeed within the Bark and throughout my life. I want to be a journalist who creates personal and meaningful stories, while also striving to be someone who shows up when it matters. The biggest takeaway from my first year in the Bark has taught me that the strongest leaders are not always those with a label. They are the people who step up when they are needed most and care enough to do whatever it takes to help the whole community succeed.