Photo: Stan Jourdan

by Kalvin Saelee

Editor’s Note: This story is published in We’Ced Youth Magazine Issue #3

Even though traditional journalism is struggling, more and more young people are creating and publishing their own media. For young people, getting involved in media and journalism can be a fun way to have something to do and it can actually be very beneficial.

Journalism is the reporting and telling of stories through media such as newspapers, radio, TV and the Internet. Being a youth journalist is a fantastic way to get your voice out to the public.

[pullquote_left]I started out like most any young person would, unsure of what to write about. As I continued going to our bi-weekly meetings, I got more comfortable with the group as they accepted me for who I am.[/pullquote_left]

Obviously, I have first hand experience with youth journalism. I feel like this chance has helped me get further in life and on the path to becoming an adult. I wasn’t always on the right path, and before I started youth journalism I was your average troublemaker. I was rebellious and disrespectful. I snuck out for late nights out and about, I abused drugs and I pulled plenty of other rule-breaking stunts.

One day, I was speaking to a very close friend of mine who noticed my passion for writing and suggested I join this new group of youth journalists. At the time the group didn’t have a name, but today it is known as We’Ced Youth Media and we produce the magazine you’re reading right now, filled with topics concerning youth by youth.

I started out like most any young person would, unsure of what to write about. As I continued going to our bi-weekly meetings, I got more comfortable with the group as they accepted me for who I am. By them not judging me or neglecting me, I felt I had a voice. It felt good. I wanted every young person to share in my experience, so I started out by writing my first article about my childhood.

Putting all my past issues on paper got the stress off my back, but what made me feel completely stress-free was reading one of my written pieces to a crowd of people who I had never met before, during our magazine release party. Getting up on the stage made me nervous, but when I stepped down I felt like a new man. For the first time I was proud of myself for doing something productive and not for doing something forbidden. After that, everything fell into place. I started doing better academically and also being more responsible.