Sunday E-dition: Youth in Journalism
By Sonny Calder
ST. HELENA, Calif. — Can you imagine what it’s like to be the youngest person in every room? Any student journalist can certainly tell you. Slightly confused stares, reluctant responses and dismissive attitudes are the commonplace reception for the brave young people beginning their journey as a reporter or a news analyst.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected through fast-paced media and constant streams of often dishonest news, the question arises: Why are aspiring journalists so discouraged? More important now than ever, young writers’ and reporters’ insight into politics, pop culture and public affairs provides a fresh perspective on problems that older generations have been observing for decades. Budding journalism bridges the gap between new ideas and old traditions, creating a more inclusive and adaptive society.
The reality is that life as a new journalist is scary. With no guarantee of stable pay, narrowing opportunities for internships and jobs, and unpredictable hours, the industry is unforgiving. Students and graduates alike, regardless of qualifications, face significant barriers when it comes to finding a solid position that doesn’t require a tedious internship with low pay and no guarantee of a career. Even as tuition rates for journalistic schooling climb exponentially, spending thousands on top-dollar education is not a golden ticket to success. In most cases, students invest around $40-60,000 a year into journalism education, only to be at square one once they graduate with thousands of dollars in student loan debt.
It doesn’t help that many people believe that reporters are just parrots, scheming gossips who merely echo the words of others. That could not be farther from the truth. Journalism empowers. It takes one person’s words and gives them wings, allowing the public to form more informed opinions and make better decisions.
How can young journalists access this empowerment? The answer is to begin early. No matter how small, no matter how insignificant it may seem. What good is a journalist who cannot get the word out? When left dormant for too long, their ideas and opinions simply disappear, rendering them invisible.
Journalism is becoming less of a game of superior knowledge and seniority and more a game of truth. It doesn’t matter how much education a person has or how many years of experience under their belt. In this industry, truth is the only thing that matters, and it needs to be shared.
As a 17-year-old high school student just beginning to explore the world of journalism, this is something I have realized. In just a few months, I have forged a number of new connections within my community. Getting to know the local government and businesses has allowed me to see my town from a different perspective and has given me the confidence to participate in its future. Even though I am new to the field and don’t yet have a journalism or media degree, I have curiosity, which has gotten me farther than I could ever imagine.
Getting started early is essential. Without the pressure of landing internships, meeting the right people or climbing the corporate ladder, high school students are in a unique position where we can explore freely without significant repercussions. Engaging in journalism, or simply expression, at a young age has taught me that sometimes fumbling about in the dark can be rewarding. Taking that leap into uncertainty forces one to meet new people and stretch the limits of curiosity. It allows you to defy boundaries and explore whatever catches your eye. That space for freedom becomes hard to find in the professional world. I urge other young people considering this path to take advantage of this time.
The volatility of this industry strikes a need for early acknowledgment of the power of journalism. Before adolescents fall into the traps of student loans and unstable jobs, they should be encouraged to share their work early, whether in a local newspaper, blog, podcast or vlog. Pre-college journalism is dangerously underrepresented and underappreciated. If kids can be taught that their word matters, no matter their age, journalism stands a better chance of retaining its longevity. With an increased emphasis on youth in journalism, the industry can continue to fill the gap between the generations and further make the truth accessible.
If today’s story captured your interest, explore these related articles:
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Sonny Calder is a St. Helena high school student and aspiring journalist.
Levity Corner
Caption contest: Pick your favorite caption or add your own in the comments below.
Possible captions or add your own in the comments below:
"Let's argue while we still can!"
"Should we run or continue?"
“No, YOU are the problem!”
“You always have to have the last word!”
“If only you had listened to me!”
Last week’s winner
The winning caption, from last week’s contest, in “Sunday E-dition: The Elusive Owls of Napa County,” with 33% of the votes was, “They ARE NOT always this quiet?”
Last Week
Dan Berger explored the diminishing emphasis on aging wines in his article "Dan Berger's Wine Chronicles: The Value of Aging Wines." He noted that while young wines are celebrated for their fresh, vibrant aromas, the complexity and depth achieved through aging have lost appreciation over the decades. Berger argued that both red and white wines benefit from aging, developing secondary and tertiary flavors that young wines cannot exhibit. He highlighted the importance of balance and acidity in wines meant for aging, asserting that mature wines offer a unique complexity that is often overlooked in modern wine consumption.
Cassandra Walker highlighted the UC Master Gardeners of Napa County website in her article "UC Master Gardeners’ Website Has Answers to Your Gardening Questions." Walker detailed how to navigate the site to find valuable resources such as the help-desk portal, which connects users with expert advice, and the “Garden Books and Resources” section for comprehensive gardening information. She emphasized the website's guides on specific topics such as tomato care and pest management, as well as the calendar of educational workshops and events. The article encouraged gardeners to explore the site for solutions to their horticultural queries.
Kathleen Scavone explored the nocturnal world of Napa Valley's owls in her article "Sunday E-dition: The Elusive Owls of Napa County." She detailed the variety of owl species in the area, including barn owls, western screech-owls and great horned owls, highlighting their distinct calls and behaviors. Scavone also discussed the Napa Wildlife Rescue's Barn Owl Maintenance Program, which provides an eco-friendly method of pest control by installing and maintaining barn owl nesting boxes. The article emphasized the importance of listening to owl calls to better understand these fascinating birds and their role in the ecosystem.
Debbie Alter-Starr urged Napa Valley residents to support Ukraine through Hands on Global’s fundraiser in her letter, "Weekender Encore: 3000 Tourniquets for Ukraine Event." She highlighted the dire impact of the recent missile attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv and emphasized the critical need for tourniquets to save lives. The event, held on July 20, included Ukrainian music, food and wine, with proceeds aimed at providing 3,000 tourniquets to frontline defenders. Alter-Starr, along with Napa Valley to Ukraine, has been instrumental in aiding Ukrainian refugees and supporting the country's resistance efforts.
Next Week
Next week we have more interesting articles from a host of Napa Valley Features contributors. The Master Gardener series on Wednesday will provide gardening insights, while Dan Berger will focus on wine topics on Thursday. Carl will delve into the status of the changing nature of firefighter volunteers in Napa County, and there will be coverage of two new eateries gaining momentum with locals along with much more information on a variety of topics.
Your writing is impressive. I look forward to reading more from you.
Sonny...Thank you for your article...love your openness and curiosity. I appreciate hearing your voice...reflecting concerns of your generation. Please...keep on writing...we all need to hear your perspective.