Personal Narrative

I still remember the first time I saw my name in print: a short byline on a lifestyle story tucked into the back of The Redwood Bark. It wasn’t front-page news or a viral investigation—but to me, it was everything. That one byline marked the start of something bigger than a hobby. It was the moment I realized I didn’t just love telling stories—I needed to.

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Since joining The Bark, journalism has become the lens through which I understand the world. I’ve written across nearly every section: features that dig into identity and student experience, sports stories that spotlight the people behind the athletes, opinion pieces that challenge norms, and breaking news that informs and empowers our student body. Each cycle, I’ve grown more confident in my ability not only to write but also to listen—to ask the right questions, find the tension in the story, and tell it in a way that makes readers stop and think.

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This past year, I’ve served as Sports Editor, and before that, I was the News Editor. Those roles taught me how to lead with empathy, precision, and fairness. I’ve worked closely with reporters on story development, coached them through tough edits, and spent long nights designing our layouts with intention and care. I’ve helped make the tough calls when ethical issues came up—including confronting a case of bias that could have seriously harmed our paper’s credibility. That experience reminded me of how high the stakes of journalism can be and how critical it is to protect the trust our readers place in us.

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But what excites me most about journalism is not just the adrenaline of a deadline or the satisfaction of a printed page—it’s the impact. Last year, I wrote a story about an alumnus in our community, Joshua Spiegelman, that shed light on his journey through creating a business and its impact on the community. After the article came out, Joshua told me how much it meant to be seen and recognized. That moment reaffirmed why I do this: not for recognition, but to give voice to stories that deserve to be told.

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Looking ahead, I want to pursue journalism in college and beyond. I dream of working in a newsroom where stories shape public conversation and drive meaningful change. Whether it's through broadcast, print, or digital media, I want to be part of a profession that holds power accountable, celebrates humanity, and continues to evolve.

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As I apply to be Editor-in-Chief, I bring not just experience, but vision. I want to mentor our younger staffers, expand our coverage to include more underrepresented voices, and create outreach programs for students curious about journalism—especially incoming freshmen and middle schoolers. I believe that leadership means lifting others up while continuing to grow yourself. I’m ready to do both.

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This isn’t just a role for me—it’s the next chapter in a story I’ve been writing for years.