If only I had known earlier what journalism truly meant, I would have realized that it was never just about writing—it was about bearing the weight of responsibility.
It all began with a simple screening for new staff members in my elementary school, transforming facts into a news article. At the time, it felt like just another writing task, a way to practice writing and organize thoughts on paper. But those first attempts at storytelling opened a door to something much greater—one I might never have stepped through if not for the guidance that encouraged me to take that first leap.
Journalism isn’t just about writing—it’s about uncovering truth, amplifying voices, and challenging the world we live in.
Back then, I once thought journalism was about competitions and awards. I measured success through medals and certificates, believing that winning meant making an impact. I equated journalistic excellence with recognition, thinking that the more awards I earned, the greater my influence would be. But journalism was never about collecting titles—it was about carrying the weight of stories that mattered.
The most outstanding journalists are not those with the most certificates, medals, and trophies but those who remain committed to the truth, even when no one is watching. If only I had understood this sooner, I would have focused less on winning and more on writing with purpose.
In the beginning, my stories were simple—school events, student achievements, and local happenings. I believed journalism was about reporting facts as they were. But the experience taught me otherwise. I realized that true journalism is not just about stating facts but questioning them. It is about looking beyond what is presented and uncovering what lies beneath.
The most important stories are often the hardest to tell—the ones people would rather keep in the dark. Journalism is not just about informing; it is about provoking thought, inspiring change, and giving a voice to those who have long been unheard.
There were moments when I doubted myself and wanted to quit. Criticism and resistance made me question if speaking up was worth it. Journalism isn’t always welcomed, especially when it exposes uncomfortable truths.
Then came a moment that made me pause.
In a panel interview, someone asked, “Handa ka bang mamatay para sa katotohanan?”
That moment forced me to reflect on what journalism truly demands. If only I had realized earlier that journalism isn’t about playing it safe but about standing firm even when the stakes are high. Truth is not always convenient, but it is always necessary. A journalist’s role is not to please but to serve as a watchdog for society—even when the cost is great.
Being named the second most outstanding campus journalist in Region 1 was humbling, but it taught me that titles do not define a journalist. True value isn’t in medals or rankings. It’s in the impact of the stories we tell.
Awards fade; the truth does not. Words are not just tools for expression but instruments of transformation.
If only I had realized sooner that journalism is not about the praise received but the discomfort it sometimes brings, I would have embraced my role with even greater conviction. Journalism is not about telling people what they want to hear but what they need to know. It is about bringing light to issues others would rather keep in the dark, even if it means standing alone.
Through journalism, I have become unafraid to ask difficult questions and take a stand. Writing is not just about crafting beautiful sentences—it is about holding power accountable and ensuring no truth is buried in silence.
If only I had realized sooner that journalism is not just about uncovering the truth—but ensuring it never fades—I would have committed myself to this path even sooner.
A journalist’s duty isn’t merely to write—it’s to bear the weight of their words and the change they can ignite. Journalism is not just a passion or profession—it is a calling to keep people informed, empowered, and aware.
If only I had known that journalism is not a competition but a commitment, I would have spent less time chasing recognition and more time amplifying voices that matter. The pursuit of truth is never about personal gain—it’s about collective progress.
A journalist does not write to win—but to serve.
To young journalists starting their journey, I hope you realize sooner than I did that journalism is not about prestige—it’s about responsibility. Every story told holds the power to challenge, to inspire, and to create lasting change.
We may not change the world with a single story—but if our words make even one person think, question, or act, then we have done something that matters.
If only I had known this from the start, I would have fought harder, spoken louder, and stood taller—for the truth that needed telling and the stories that still needed to be heard.
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Edrhean Josh Lumaoang Dalumay, 17, is a graduating HUMSS student from Luzong National High School in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. He is a campus journalist.