When I first interacted with English at the age of 5 back in Korea, the language was a puzzle. But as I carefully pieced together the alphabet and basic vocabulary, I was drawn to its openness. Unlike math, where one formula leads to the right answer, writing allowed me to express my thoughts and ideas in endless ways.
The fascination grew into a passion as I enrolled in the Journalism 1 class during my sophomore year, not fully knowing how it would open my high school experience into something more meaningful.
After a year of learning the basics of journalism, I applied to join the official staff of The Accolade and, unexpectedly, got the position of co-Sports editor beside my close friend Christine Yoo.
This wasn’t a position I had wanted or was ready for because of my lack of experience in the sports field.
As I began taking on this new role, I looked back at my journey from attending an English academy in Korea to getting an editor position in a journalism program. This was an opportunity I never imagined I would have, especially when I was 5 and didn’t even think I would be able to put together a proper sentence.
One of my favorite pieces was a column I wrote about the releaguing system. This piece became more favorable because it captured both purposes of writing when I first joined journalism.
It was personal, as I was part of the golf team, and informative, capturing both my voice and the community’s.
Being an editor opened a new way of connecting with people. Every interview, revision and deadline taught me something new, not just about writing, but about listening and collaborating.
I loved being part of something that served the entire student body. What began as a classroom assignment transformed into a way to spotlight unrepresented voices and bring important issues to the forefront.
Now, as I prepare to leave The Accolade, I don’t just carry a portfolio — I carry a purpose. Writing and journalism have taught me the power of words and the responsibility that comes with using them.
Writing, to me, will always be about impact. And that is a mission I’ll continue to carry with me, wherever I go.
