I distinctly remember the first day stepping foot in my high school’s journalism class. It was the first day of my sophomore year, and I was especially excited for the first day of that year. I came into high school knowing absolutely no one, but over the course of that year, I met some of the best people who eventually became my best friends.

However, at that moment sitting in my journalism class for the very first time during the first period, I was especially enthused. Admittedly, I was pretty nervous as well. It seemed like everyone had formed their groups within the class, and I felt like I was the only new person.

Yet, I reminded myself that this was a class and a topic I wanted to learn more about ever since fourth grade. Despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach, staying in the class and overcoming my doubt, was the best decision ever.

The first quarter was difficult to stay the least. It was back to back lessons on Associate Press style and pyramid style as my Journalism 101. The AP Stylebook became my saving grace for all things style that I could possibly wonder. Which numbers do I spell out? How do I attribute a source?

Every time I cracked open the book to consult any question I had, I learned the value of research and writing with an increased grammatical precision. Also, I learned about word count, and that seriously comes in handy in college when a teacher tells you a word count and you have a better idea of how long it should be!

Most importantly, I made some of the best friends who shared my passion for journalism, writing and finding the truth.

Ethically chasing for the facts rather than #FakeNews. These are critical things I took to the newsroom in college but life as well!