Able to explain the importance of journalism in the United States 

More often than not, I hear successful reporters say they always knew they wanted to be journalists, even as children. My path towards journalism did not evolve at a young age, but began once I learned how impactful and meaningful words were. During my senior year of high school, I had a teacher who would never let me slack off especially when it came to reading and writing. He was a stickler for a good story and never passed up the opportunity to teach his students how to use words to affect change. I remember telling him I wanted to be a personal trainer in one of our meetings. He looked at me and said, "no, you need to write." I will never forget those words. It has been since then that I have used journalism and storytelling to better myself, society and communities.

​As a student at URI, I have been exposed to issues of race, discrimination, power and corruption. Not necessarily at the university itself, but through certain situations I have encountered while attending this institution. Some of the professors I have met are the among the smartest people I know. They are well-rounded, intelligent and informed; qualities I strive to achieve. It is because of many of them that I have learned how powerful journalism is and have learned that when it is done right, it can be one of the most impactful tools in our society. 

Journalism is important for a few different reasons and from what I have learned at URI, it is one of the most powerful mediums in the world. This field of study is important because journalists are taught early on that their first loyalty is to citizens and reporting the truth is essential to this country's function as a democracy. In JOR 410, we learned citizens must remain informed so that they may make decisions and vote based on facts and what they know to be true. U.S. citizens are entitled to make their own decisions and by seeking and reporting the truth, journalists are doing their part to inform society. Journalism is crucial to this country's democratic state. 

For the purpose of this outcome, I have included samples of my work that I believe show how important journalism is to our society. The articles I wrote for the Cigar were written to inform the student body about issues regarding disabilities while living on campus, limited space with student housing and an event that brought the university together to raise nearly $16,000 to benefit the cancer research for children. I think stories like these are the ones that reporters enjoy the most, because they allow us to give voices to those who may otherwise not be heard. It's important to speak up for the community and to educate citizens with our craft.

I also included two work samples from a documentary class that have shown me the importance of informing the public. "Ivory Tower" is a documentary that explores the rising tuition of colleges and the debt many students are getting themselves into after graduation. This film dove into the essence of journalism because it sparked a conversation among young people and raised many questions about education. I also included an essay I wrote about "Sicko," a documentary that explores the healthcare system in the U.S. and compares what this country offers to other areas around the world. That film really put into perspective how important research is and how people of all economic statuses should have a say in the healthcare they are offered. These lessons have given me the knowledge and experience to impact society with news coverage, storytelling and ethics.