Commitment

Working with the Crimson White has reshaped my view of diversity and the importance it plays in choosing sources. My editors assisted me with ways to share stories of underrepresented communities, especially in stories where diversity was not a focus. Finding diverse sources is extremely important to me and I always take a step back to see whose voice might be missing from a story before writing it. While in high school my commitment to diversity stretched outside of the classroom with my work for Courageous Curls Media. I will forever use my abilities to amplify and lift up the diverse people of this world, even outside of journalism. 

​

In the summer of 2020, I was selected to represent Alabama at the Student Press Law Center's New Voice's Student Leaders Institute. Throughout the program, I learned about student press freedoms and how to create change in my state. After the institute, I was named one of two student leaders to begin an Alabama student coalition in support of the New Voices bill which protects the rights of student journalists. My high school newspaper was under strict prior review. I was familiar with meetings with our principal to discuss concerns about articles or photographs, I used this time to stand up for my staff and speak out on the responsibilities of student journalists. I will continue to be an advocate for student journalists everywhere, even when I am no longer one.

A story will only be as great as its interviews and research is something my high school advisor pushed every day. This means using credible sources and always fact-checking any information given. The summer of 2020 I was selected to represent Alabama at the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference. During this conference, I was taught many lessons about using anonymous sources and fact-checking. These lessons come in handy when discussing controversial article topics with editors, I am able to address possible conflicts when it comes to media law and ethics.