CLOSING

Photo by Eric Fang

Journalism’s Impact on Me

Over the course of four years, journalism has empowered me to constantly ask questions, challenge the status quo and appreciate the power of the truth. It has taught me to listen closely to people’s stories and represent them with fairness and sensitivity. 

The hard skills journalism teaches – in writing, editing, researching, photographing, designing, numbers crunching, leading, organizing and filming – will benefit me wherever I go. 

Moreover, through journalism I have become dedicated to giving back to whatever communities I am a part of, whether that is through advocating for affordable teacher housing, serving constituents at city hall or elevating underrepresented voices. 

My Impact through Journalism

At the same time, journalism has also allowed me to empower others. 

Whether sharing the stories of those unsheltered by the Bay Area’s housing crisis or making national politics accessible to high school students, journalism has provided avenues with which to incite positive change in our community. 

When a science teacher thanks me for publishing timely and factual information about a public health emergency, when a county librarian says she is glad I am raising awareness of difficulties they are facing, when a football player asks for game photos I had taken so he can have them for his memories – these are moments that remind me of the role I hope to play as a journalist and community citizen. 

As I near the end of my journey through high school journalism, however, I am most proud of being one of the leaders of a staff of wonderful, talented and caring individuals who will take Harker Journalism to even greater heights.

Thank You

I have many people to thank for these formative experiences. First and foremost is my journalism adviser Ms. Austin, who has taught me everything I know, challenged me to stretch myself in every way and encouraged me to stand up and speak out as an advocate, leader and community citizen. Ms. Austin has set me on a path toward journalism and public service that will last a lifetime.

My fellow editors and reporters have left an indelible mark, and obviously, none of this portfolio would have been possible without them. This staff has incredible things in store for the future. Thank you to my co-editor in chief Gloria, managing editor Nina, online editors Varsha and Arya, yearbook editors in chief Anthony and Emily, yearbook managing editor Shreya and Humans of Harker editor in chief Saloni for being my partners in crime. Thank you to Prameela, Kat, Nicole, Ryan, Sahana, Kaitlin, Maya, Vijay and all of the Winged Post’s previous editors for being my first mentors and role models. Thank you to my sister Kacey, who joined the Winged Post five years before me, for blazing a trail, and to my brother Albert and father Jiayuan for their support.

Finally, I owe everything to my mother Yipei, who has spent hours driving me to events and taking pictures of me in action (and graciously said that she enjoyed doing so) to preserve these experiences in my memory. Though I failed to appreciate the thousands of pictures she took when I was younger, I realize now that my mother was a journalist before I ever was, and a very good one at that.

The nine seniors across the Winged Post, Harker Aquila and Talon Yearbook for the 2019-2020 school year.