Student voices: Gaining courage, community and confidence

The week prior to the High School Journalism Institute, a worried feeling gnawed at me. The weeklong journalism camp at Oregon State University was going to be the longest time spent away from my family.

I had been so excited during the application process and, my heart leaped with joy when I found out I had been accepted into the program. But as the week was rapidly approaching, it was starting to feel more and more real.

In the car on the way to the camp, my nerves flared and my thudding heartbeat could probably be detected from a mile away. Once I stepped out of the car with my luggage, my feelings mixed together: worry, excitement, fear, anticipation. It finally sunk in that this would be my home for the next week.

I was led up to my dorm room where I said goodbye to my mom. I met my roommate, Lauren, and was ecstatic to discover how much we had in common. We clicked instantly.

After lunch, we were told we were going to do some ice breakers. Instantly, I began to feel nervous again. I decided to push aside my worried feelings and tried to channel a sense of confidence. Once the ice breakers started, a feeling of excitement started to stir within me.

After this, it was time to go on the ropes course. While we were 30 feet in the air, I was able to meet some of the other students who I would soon begin to call my friends.

We made our way to get dinner and went to our first reporting workshop. I desperately tried to absorb as much information as I could. When the workshop concluded, I felt instantly relieved. I had managed to make it through the first day.

As I lay in bed, I reflected on the past day and how many new things I experienced. I was shocked by the feeling of calm.

Throughout the first day, I was pleasantly surprised by how supportive and welcoming all the students and instructors were. All my worries from the beginning of the day had quickly disappeared, replaced by a new feeling – belonging.

I am so excited to spend this week surrounded by like-minded people who are courageously kind and have a shared love of journalism. I am so glad I went out of my comfort zone and attended this camp. It has already started to become a pivotal moment in developing my independence and confidence.

From enjoying ice breakers, to making new friendships, I already know this experience will be a memorable one.

— Eliana Cameron, Milwaukie Academy of the Arts