I joined my high school’s newspaper, The Bradford, my freshman year. Over these past four years my role, and the overall dynamic, has shifted. I used to be the one who always listened. Now, I’m the one doing the listening. These two terms seem identical, but any current Bradfordian would know they’re completely different. Early on, as a confused and aspiring journalist, I always listened eagerly to others. Even when I was advanced enough to become a section editor, I promised myself that I’d listen to all my superiors. This included all older section editors, the editors in chief, and my teacher. I took orders and did what I was told. It made my writing better to get all this great advice, but the writing didn’t sound like my own, which increasingly bothered me. This motivated a change. I chose to have open ears for anyone who disagreed with my suggestions as an editor, and I would no longer blindly listen. Today, as Print Editor-in-Chief, I encourage all writers to stick up for themselves. A certain hierarchy of editors does exist, but I make it clear to everyone that they own their article; anything aside from a grammatical edit is a suggestion and can be countered with a coherent argument. I consider myself the catalyst for this change in the paper’s culture Overall, we’re now a more connected staff. I believe that this stems from the vulnerability and independence I have demanded from editors and staff writers alike. These skills cultivated within the sphere of journalism are also applicable to other areas of my life. I am no longer afraid to be vulnerable in other subjects, or in activities outside of school. I have become a better listener, a better learner, and a better person because of the Bradford and journalism being in my life.