Journalist of the Year Portfolio

Journalism gifts you the mind of a toddler. It's like you're asking mom "why" every few seconds in the backseat of her car. But instead, you're driving home from school and watching as one girl on the cross country team trails behind a herd of girls alone, completely covered and wearing a hijab in 90 degree heat. Or you're staring at local gun violence statistics after a transfer student at your school was shot and killed. Or you're listening to a student in health class talk about her two-year-old's birthday party. Noticing, listening, and asking "why" are the simplest and yet most effective ways to build a deeper understanding of those around you, and yourself. Here was my experience.