The Pigeon Press has an intimidating reputation. Merely mentioning the journalism class elicits shudders from my peers, and my recruitment efforts have often been in vain. People seem to think that Journalism is a boring, stressful class. Despite being one of Journalism’s most ardent evangelists, I acknowledge that there is some truth to the class’ image, but it’s only half the story.
I joined Journalism my sophomore year, largely on a whim. I was expecting it to be a one year elective–something I’d enjoy at the moment, then move on from. That year, we published a feature on Downtown Clean & Safe. Working on that article I found myself interviewing complete strangers over Zoom, a prospect that would have mortified me months earlier. I was particularly inspired by the editor at the time, Tinsley Collins, and by the end of the year I was certain I wanted to become the editor myself.
It’s true that Journalism isn’t always a fun class. Running around getting interviews, collecting sources and spending hours writing is a lot of work, only to have your drafts rightly chopped to shreds. It can be incredibly frustrating to go asking around for a story, and be met with a blasé response from perspective sources. Sending endless emails to interviewees which they never respond to can also get a bit tiresome To do all that, knowing much of the student body doesn’t even read the Pigeon Press must seem downright Sisyphean to observers.
These challenges, however, are well worth the reward. I still remember how proud I felt when my first solo article on the Shen Yun dance troupe was published, or when someone from another school cited my editorial on gatekeeping in metal in their project. Journalism has taught me skills that carry into my daily life: to take criticism, talk to strangers and question what you are told. I’ve learned how to be self-directed, how to collaborate and work in groups,
Going into my final year of high school, I have achieved the goal I set as a sophomore. As Editor-in-Chief of the Pigeon Press, I will follow in the footsteps of those before me, and build on their work. I am dedicated to publishing quality investigative journalism and opinion pieces, in tandem with art and creative writing. Alongside that, I want to bolster the press’ readership through social media outreach and zines.
Being a senior, I’ve heard all about leadership and engaging with underclassmen, something I intend to approach enthusiastically in my capacity as editor. I am committed to the underclassmen who have taken a chance on a class that may not be easy, but is well worth the effort. If I can inspire just one person to want to become editor themself, every single unread reminder email will have been worth it.
