Journalism is not just about winning; it’s about the lessons learned on the journey to victory.
For every campus journalist, there’s a burning dream of stepping up into the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC). But beyond the desire to make it to the top lie the struggles they face: standing up for the truth and mustering the courage to speak their voices.
Reaching that dream is arduous, knowing there are more challenges to face, opponents to overcome, and fears to set aside. Yet, the heart of a dreamer pushes forward, choosing to fight through the fear rather than let it take hold. The journey through each level of the schools press conference, especially the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC), is nerve-wracking because it brings them one step closer to a dream that once seemed out of reach.
Winning is subjective, reliant on the judge’s preferences. Not everyone has luck on their side, and not everyone is destined for the national stage. But this doesn’t mean they are incapable of winning. Failing to make it to the NSPC is not a loss; it’s a reminder that there’s always room for improvement and countless stories to capture beyond competitions. There’s always a next time, perhaps not at the NSPC, but in a setting far removed from the press conferences.
Having the chance to compete in school press conferences is already a victory. It brings the joy of making new friends, the thrill of small victories, the satisfaction of truth-telling, and the sense of belonging that journalism provides. Wielding a pen as your weapon is a matter of pride. Being a campus journalist is not for the weak; it takes strength to reach this far.
Not qualifying for the NSPC doesn’t define your worth as a storyteller. Journalism transcends newsrooms and stages; it thrives within the walls of our communities, ever-seeking the truth.
So, until the next NSPC, young journalist! Keep dreaming, keep fighting, and keep writing.
