At Doherty High School, we all know how it is. You’ve got your usual required classes-math, science, English- and for a lot of students, especially with math, it’s a daily struggle just to keep up. On top of that, there’s drama everywhere, people sticking to their own friend groups, and it’s easy to feel like your voice gets lost in the crowd. That’s why journalism matters.
Our journalism class at Doherty isn’t just another elective-it’s one of the few places where students can speak freely, be creative, and actually feel heard. It gives you a reason to step outside your bubble and connect with the rest of the school. And in a place where people often stay in their groups and rumors spread faster than facts, that connection matters.
Journalism teaches you how to ask real questions, how to listen, and how to tell stories that are true. At a school like Doherty, where there’s always something going on- good or bad-being able to report facts and cut through the drama is a skill every student could use. Instead of just hearing about something through the grapevine, you learn how to go straight to the source.
In class, we get to do more than just write articles. We’re allowed to take photos almost anywhere on campus, which helps capture the real spirit of Doherty. We can interview teachers, coaches, and students. We make podcasts and even film videos that highlight student voices and school events. It’s not just sitting at a desk writing essays- it’s hands-on, creative, and honestly pretty fun.
But beyond all that, journalism builds real skills. You learn how to meet deadlines, communicate clearly, stay organized, and be confident talking to people. These aren’t just “school skills”-they’re life skills. Whether you plan to go to college, the military, or straight into a job after graduation, those abilities will always matter.
It also helps with your writing. A lot of us at Doherty struggle when it comes to organizing essays or putting our thoughts on paper. Journalism teaches you how to be clear and to the point. You’re not just writing to fill space-you’re writing to say something that actually means something. That kind of writing shows up in every class, not just English.
And let’s be honest: it feels good to be seen. When your article gets published, or your podcast is shared, or your photo ends up in the yearbook or on the school website, it’s a reminder that your voice matters. That what you do can impact other people. That’s not something every class can offer.
There’s also a sense of freedom in journalism. You’re trusted to explore the campus, to dig into real topics, and to talk to people you wouldn’t normally talk to. It pushes you out of your comfort zone-in the best way. And in a school as big and busy as Doherty, it gives you a chance to be part of something bigger than just your friend group or your schedule.
Some people think journalism is only for students who want to be writers or go into media. That’s not true. Journalism is for anyone who wants to learn how to communicate better, think more clearly, and make a real impact. It’s for the students who are tired of just listening and want to start asking questions.
At Doherty, where there’s always a story to tell, journalism gives students the chance to tell it right.
That’s why I believe every student at this school should take journalism- because your voice deserves to be heard.
