In a school day made up of core classes, tests, and graduation requirements, it can be easy to overlook electives. They’re seen as “extra,” because they’re squeezed into the schedule where there’s room. But classes like journalism prove to be critical to building students who understand their world and know how to communicate within it. 

Journalism, in particular, builds skills that every student needs, whether or not they plan to commit to a career in reporting. At its core, journalism is a class that teaches critical thinking. Students who are dedicated learn to check their sources, figure out fact and opinion, and ask better questions. 

But journalism isn’t only about writing. It builds confidence. Interviewing a stranger and seeing your work published, at least for me, teaches that the voice of a student does matter. While the class may not be the most challenging as an AP course, I consider Journalism to be the most enjoyable course I am taking in my senior year of high school.

I believe this class to be important because of the lessons it has taught me and the way that it keeps me up to date with current events in our school and the world. Taking this elective helped to remind me of how much I enjoy reading and writing, and Mrs. Ruelas’ proposition to make me Senior Editor gave me a stronger sense of responsibility and purpose that I really appreciate.

Ultimately, electives like journalism shouldn’t be seen as “extra”. They are opportunities. They allow students to discover their interests and develop their confidence in a way that some core classes just can’t. Journalism, especially, shows the importance of the student voice. When the world needs better thinkers and communicators, classes like these are essential.