DANI
CROSSEN

Bathed under the sound of the ticking clock in my 8th grade English class, I slumped over my desk, impatiently waiting for the school day to end. While I was always a solid writer, it was never a skill I used to the best of my ability, and without a space where I felt needed or proper feedback from my teachers, I had no reason to improve. To them, I wasn’t a perfect writer, nor bad enough to be noticed; I was simply just a good writer. 

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When I joined The Cougar Chronicle, my old habits were still in place when I tackled my first interview-based story. After putting in minimum effort, I showed my adviser the article I was overly proud of, to which her response was merely, “It's okay.” While harsh at the time, it was exactly what I needed to realize my writing is far from perfect. Back at my desk, the sense of defeat swarmed me as my understanding of my writing capabilities shifted, but just as quickly came ambition to do something about it.

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During the JEA/NSPA National Convention in Boston, I talked with industry professionals and explored the city, which helped me see the future I wanted for myself. Standing outside the hotel in the early morning, I took in the calming hum of the bustling city, along with the soft urban breeze chilled by the shadows cast from the buildings above. These last few moments before our trip back home solidified in my mind that I would pursue my newly found passion as a journalist in the heart of Boston, telling the stories of everyday people.

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After that trip, the end of the school day symbolized the start of mine, where our newsroom became my space to stay late and write stories. I taught myself AP style and new techniques to better myself as a writer, but at the same time, I taught myself how to be a leader. In August, I was greeted by my staff in our sunlit newsroom, where I discussed my goals as the new editor-in-chief. Three prior years of dedication led up to this point where I could show my worth to the people around me, but more specifically the ones I lived with.
 
However, the continuation of struggles at home built up to an unbearable point, forcing me to move out for my own safety and well-being. That same night, I sat on the floor of my friend’s room, bothered by all the uncertainties tomorrow held for me, till I realized I could rely on one thing to ground me: journalism. So, I gave all my attention to crafting the tomorrow I could control. 

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In our newsroom the next day, I pushed through exhaustion, discouragement, and doubt I had, till I uncovered motivation amidst it all. With the ability to put everything behind me, I’m letting my passion for journalism guide me towards a purposeful future where I hold the power to make a difference.