Naima Dickerson

Dear Journalism:

I remember my skeptical, sophomore year self that joined the class wondering why taking what seemed like an extra English class would matter. 

In October 2023, I wrote about the new Wellness Center advisor, and I published my article after hundreds of edits. I felt as if there wasn’t much of a point to what I was doing besides completing another class assignment.

I had always paid attention to the news. I would read articles and watch broadcasts without even considering the humans behind the operation. I never considered the responsibility of having the job of informing our society. 

Later that year, I wrote my first opinion article. That is when I started to understand your importance. The news and personalities I covered were a gift to those featured, but opinion articles felt like a gift to myself. I could express what I believed and have my name be attached to it. Having that outlet made me realize the importance of using my voice and being an advocate for others. 

That year, I was chosen to be News Section Editor. In May, I walked into the classroom prepared for my Editor-in-Chief interview. Now, I find myself wondering how every news cycle slipped by so quickly. 

You became a superpower. Every person I could lift up, every topic I could shed light on, every viewpoint I shared carried an impact. My superpower was being able to use my words to spread that impact. And with great power comes great responsibility, responsibility you taught me to carefully carry. 

You are an art, a tool, an outlet, one that is crucial in our society. And now I have learned that journalism goes beyond just reporting the facts or bringing quick entertainment. You are a bridge between people. You connect stories to readers, strangers to understanding, and voices to be heard. The way a story is told can shape the way some view the world, and that is why you matter. 

You became a place where I grew exponentially. I am thankful for the stressful deadlines, tedious print papers and thousands of edits, for it has taught me how to write, lead and tell important stories. 

Thank you for giving the skeptical sophomore the understanding of the responsibility and privilege of being heard. This was not always going to be a love letter, but somewhere between three years and 46 articles, it became one. 

Sincerely,

Naima Dickerson