Youth will write

A campus journalist reflects on truth-telling and the drive to keep writing in the AI era

- By JAYKE BRYLLE E. BALANRAYOS

I remember my fifth-grade English teacher asking me to represent our school in a journalism contest.

Being the eager learner I was, I saw it as another opportunity to explore a new field, so I said yes. That moment marked the beginning of my journey as a campus journalist.

What followed was a whirlwind of intensive training, tearful practices, aching hands, and hectic schedules, all of which became worth it. After that contest, I went home with three medals from three different writing categories, each one reflecting the spark that had ignited within me—to write more stories and become an official campus journalist.

Campus journalism is a training ground for aspiring student writers. It’s a field that requires research and investigative skills, patience, and the courage to seek and share the truth through writing. But it’s not just about putting ink on paper. It is a powerful platform where unspoken thoughts can finally be heard—loud and clear—for everyone to take notice.

In the years that followed, I grew to understand the real purpose of campus journalism—to be an amplifier for unheard voices. It’s not just about covering major issues, but also shedding light on small, overlooked, and sometimes intentionally hidden matters that deeply affect people where they live, study, and work.