Week 37

It was THE WEEK of Final Presentation Night! I can not possibly put into words how incredible my ISM journey has been. From last year, studying criminal justice, to studying investigative journalism this year, I have learned so much about the professional world and myself as a person.

Cold calls, driving to interviews, and conversing with professionals were at first terrifying ordeals that I would never consider myself capable of. Now, I have spent hours in the Channel 8 Headquarters and have learned how to present myself professionally and confidently.

More than that, however, this journey has opened my eyes to who I am and what I will pursue in the future. I know for a fact that I will continue pursuing a life of service abroad. I do not know yet exactly what I am going to do with my future, but I know that I want to live my life verse John 15:13, "Greater love has none than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." I would love to pursue journalism or diplomacy focusing in on the Middle East, and later enter the FBI, CIA or some other government agency.

Final Presentation Night was a huge success! My presentation was perfect, lots of people came, and my mentors loved it. Byron was so blown away by the program that Channel 8 is now going to be covering a story over the ISM Program! The night was a perfect conclusion to a year of hard work and incredible learning experiences.

My mentors were truly amazing. I will never be able to thank them enough for opening my eyes to the world of investigative journalism and for helping me learn so much about myself. Jason was always enthusiastic and ready for an adventure, and Byron always had pieces of wisdom that never stopped blowing my mind. They made this year the experience of a lifetime.

I am beyond ecstatic for what the future holds and to see where God will lead me in the future. With everything, I plan to live my life verse and my ISM quote from the year:

""Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world... would do this, it would change the earth."

-William Faulkner