I never imagined my pen could wield such great powers. My journalism teacher recommended that I apply to be a youth writer for the Boyle Heights Beat, a local bilingual community newspaper. When I got the application, I noticed the deadline had already past. My hope dwindled but then I noticed a small note that said to address any questions to the person in charge. The following week, I received an email to thank me for applying and to inform me that all the positions had been filled. While I was not surprised, I was still devastated because I wondered what it would feel like to be a writer for the Boyle Heights community. I wondered if any students had dropped the program, and maybe there would be an opportunity for me. I reached out to the person in charge yet again and I was happy to learn that some students rejected the program’s acceptance which gave me a chance to be part of the community newspaper. …show more content…
As a reporter, I want to enhance my community’s reputation and highlight the beauty within our neighborhoods through the power of journalism. Even though my community is mostly portrayed with a disapproving reputation, through measures of gang activity, the rate of teen pregnancy, and low percentage of high school graduates, I chose to use my journalistic skills to emphasize the blossoming aspects of Boyle Heights. The delicious smell of tacos, the vibrant Mexican music that flows through the air, and the colorful murals and Aztec dancers in the Mariachi Plaza. These are the fundamental elements that make Boyle Heights identity vivid and unique. My internship with the Boyle Heights Beat has allowed me to share this through my