As a junior (class of 2027), this is my second year in the journalism program at Carlmont High School. At the beginning of my journey, I had no idea what to expect. I was unsure of how to come up with ideas, how to contact and interview sources across the country, and, most importantly, how to write a story in a way a reader would find meaningful.

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Yet, as time went on, my initial fears and worries subsided, drifting to the back of my mind as I became more confident in my abilities as a journalist. While I learned everything I needed to know in my first year in the program, it wasn't until my junior year when I truly broke out of my cocoon (read "A flutter of hope"; it is about butterflies!) and learned the value of a story.

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Throughout my career as a student journalist, I have found that the most important aspect of being a journalist is learning to discover what makes a good story. While some may argue that this comes from high-quality writing or immersive pictures, the reality is that this quality comes from your sources --- including everyone from assembly members and CEOs to teachers at your school.

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Journalism has brought me all over the country, from local spots such as Big Sur to five-hour plane rides to Nashville, Tennessee. I have met extraordinary people wherever I go, and I have learned that when you look hard enough, there is always a story to uncover, yet how you share it is up to you.