Why Journalism Became the One Class I Never Want to Miss

 Every school year has its usual lineup of classes: the ones that are stressful, the ones that are boring, and the ones you forget about as soon as the bell rings. Then there are the rare classes that feel different from the moment you walk in. For me, that class is Journalism.

The room is never loud or chaotic. It is low pressure, low stress, and honestly one of the funniest, most comfortable places I’ve ever sat in. It feels like a break without ever being lazy, and it feels like work without ever feeling overwhelming. It is the one place in my schedule where I can breathe and still feel like I am doing something that matters.

A huge part of that comes from my teacher. I have had some great teachers before, but he is my favorite teacher I have ever had. He knows journalism inside and out, and he never makes you feel dumb for asking questions. He is the first person who made me feel like becoming a real journalist is actually possible for me. The way he teaches, corrects, and encourages us makes the whole class feel like a small newsroom where we are learning by actually doing the work.

The people in this class make it even better. Claire and Ayla keep the energy light every single day. They are effortlessly funny, and the class would feel completely different without them. Cameron and Rebecca are always nice to have around. They make the kind of jokes that catch everyone off guard in the best way, and somehow they always add something to whatever conversation is happening.

Then there are the quieter voices, the ones who might not talk over everyone else but still shape the class more than they probably realize. Nicole and Jaslene do not need to be loud to make an impact. When they speak, it matters. And Jocelyn brings this calm but fun vibe that makes every group conversation better. She always has something interesting or thoughtful to say.

The best part is that there is no pressure to perform or pretend. I do not have to be the smartest person in the room or the fastest writer. I can just write, learn, ask questions, laugh, and enjoy the people around me. And at the same time, I am learning real skills that I know I will use for years.

Journalism never feels like a chore. I look forward to the routine of pitching stories, editing drafts, sharing ideas, and even the random moments that have nothing to do with class. I look forward to the jokes, the conversations, the quiet writing days, and the days when something unexpected happens and everyone ends up laughing.

I know that high school memories fade fast. Years from now, I will not remember most worksheets or assignments. But I know I will remember this class. I will remember the people in it, the confidence I found in myself, and the teacher who made me believe that journalism could be my future.

This class is not just where I learned how to write articles.

It is where I learned that I want to keep writing them.