Students sit in class while the world revolves around them. The scientific principles they examine are actively altered by laboratories around the world. The literary classics they thumb through are replaced by new works and removed from libraries, and the history books they take notes on will soon need new chapters. The world spins on, and students often are easily drowned out in the chaos. Within this cascade, student voice must emerge.

Since the beginning of time, people have learned from stories, both fiction and nonfiction, and whether told verbally or written, when stories are shared, understanding happens.

Tell your story

In our modern society, there are a great number of social media platforms and forms of communication available. Take advantage of these platforms and share your perspective. Every student has had a different life story, and even experiences from major events such as the September 11th attacks, recessions, and the COVID-19 pandemic. All of these factors shape each student, make them who they are, and influence their perspectives.
While it is important to share your own experiences, it is also incredibly imperative to respectfully listen to others with the intention of understanding. Listening is perhaps more important than ever, and with the rise of social media, speech freedoms are the most accessible they’ve ever been.
Any student can express their views and learn from others, but that might not be the case in the future as teens face bipartisan legislation that aims to restrict the use of social media, which, like any restriction, has pros and cons. Many argue that these laws can help aid in the mental health crisis, while others say that they may pose a massive risk to student voice and speech liberties. There needs to be a clear line of accounting for teen health without crossing the line into restricting their rights.

Use your voice

Not only is it important for students to use their voice, it is imperative that they do so. If you hope for your voice to be truly heard, educate yourself, lean on your experiences, and dig deep for courage. As journalists, we understand that it can be nerve-racking to be the one to step up, but when students speak out and share their opinions and perspectives, it allows young voices to make a difference in the ever-changing world around us. If students stay silent, their stories will be lost, and so will the understanding that can come with it. Who knows what kind of impact you could make by speaking out. Sharing your opinion or views could start a movement, influence others, or even inspire someone else to share.

We at “The Talon” are committed to empowering student voices by sharing your story. In Iowa, student journalism is protected under the New Voices Law, passed in 1989 and updated in 2021. This means student journalists are safe against censorship by their school’s administration, meaning that your story cannot be influenced by any school officials. Yet, we understand other potential risks of speaking out, leading “The Talon” to attribute anonymous sources if they are in a high-risk situation.
We strive to impartially report on the stories pertinent to Ankeny High and its students, while adhering to a journalistic code of ethics. “The Talon” would not be a part of the school community if it weren’t for students sharing their experiences. It is clear to us that your voice matters, and we hope it is clear to you, too.
As the Journalism Education Association’s (JEA) Scholastic Journalism Week approaches, “The Talon” wants to remind you not to be silenced and to share your unique and individual experiences and stories with the world.