As a lifelong musician, I never expected myself to be drawn to journalism. 

Yet, when I was a freshman and first picked up my school’s newspaper, I was fascinated—I had never read a real newspaper before. 

I decided that I wanted to be a part of this community of journalists. 

In contrast, I grew up in a musical family, surrounded by chamber music and orchestra rehearsals, and participated in all of it as soon as I was able. I founded a chamber music society, joined the orchestra. But now, as an editor for The Oracle and a section leader in the Glenbrook Symphony Orchestra, I realize that both taught me different skills, and some of the same.

When I joined The Oracle, I was not a great writer, and probably still am not, but through it I improved and, more importantly, learned how to take criticism of my work. I have always struggled with critiques, but The Oracle taught me that nothing is perfect the first time, and that edits are vital to any writing. Having someone look through what you wrote, with the perspective of a new reader, is the best way to learn how to improve your writing. 

But being on the staff of a newspaper gave me a fresh community, filled with a diverse group of people. They mispronounced “concerto,” while I did not know the difference between regular football and flag football. Yet, it is refreshing to be in a group like that, where we all have our own separate interests and come together to publish a newspaper. 

The Oracle is similar to an orchestra: both are communities connected and devoted to a common goal. It gives me something else to care about, and a different outlet to express myself. Joining the newspaper gave me a new perspective that I would never have gotten if I stayed in the Fine Arts Department, and has taught me so much about myself. 

Music has given me so much, and has always been an integral part of my life. It has taught me discipline, expression, stamina, and helped me find a community of like-minded people all committed to music. I have learned so much about myself through it, and it has always been there for me to fall back on. 

Journalism and music are a surprising combination, and yet one that continues to help me explore how I can express myself, whether that be through an op-ed or a recital.