“This article is another pathetic liberal whining about how she can’t kill her unborn baby, disgusting,” I read, feeling my stomach drop. This comment was one, among many, scolding me for stating my opinion. This opinion piece I had written was about Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College. After publishing it, I had a newfound love for opinion pieces and was sure I would continue writ- ing them, but after seeing a flood of hate comments, I thought it would be my last.
I have been writing for as long as I can remember, but eventually privately journaling my thoughts wasn’t enough. I joined Community High School’s journal- ism program as a sophomore because self-expression that creates public impact intrigues me. I have always poured my heart into my writing, so the idea of hav- ing a class where I can write about anything my heart desires appealed to me. I immediately found a love for expressing my views through opinion pieces. I wrote my first political piece with ease and passion, attempting to stay away from attacking specific personal views. Using intentional exaggeration, I titled the article “The Worst Commencement Speech of All Time.” I wanted to draw readers in with a bold title, but I attracted the wrong kind of attention.
My new label as a “pathetic liberal” rang in my ear for weeks. Being dubbed “pathetic” carved deep into my soul, specifically, wounding my journalistic confidence. I entered my next semester of journalism with fear and skepticism. I avoided politics, instead writing about new album releases or popular movies. Finally, my journal- ism teacher asked me to write a political piece about the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Initially, I felt my stomach turn at the thought of it. Then, I read an impactful piece about Project 2025 that inspired me to share my opinion. I was overly care- ful in my writing, never feeling 100% confident. After it was published, however, I felt proud. I reminded myself words of discouragement and hate reveal more about the commenter than they do about me. Afterwards, I contin- ually volunteered to write political opinions. Resilience and confidence took root. Speaking up even when diffi- cult will always overpower silence and fear.
After overcoming fear of criticism, I constantly found myself with a raised hand in class, eager to give my in- put, even if it might spark controversy. In my govern- ment course, for example, I added to the discussion with ideas rooted in my beliefs and values, leading to intrigu- ing and educational exchanges with classmates. I soon became less afraid to reach out to my teachers and ask for help, which helped me achieve more academically. For example, in my pre-calculus course, I consistently began approaching my teacher for help, instead of struggling trying to teach the material to myself. The anxiety in my mind felt manageable. I became a more confident individual, allowing me to reflect on my growth by compiling physical representations of memories from different eras of my life, no matter how “embarrassing” I may deem them. I also started to design and create my own jewelry as a hobby.
The political piece I wrote about the Presidential Debate went on to win first place for news analysis from the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association. Prior to senior year, I was named the opinion section editor for our magazine. In college, I will continue using my voice by giving my input in class whenever possible, and continuing to voice what I believe through social media, journalism publications, and more. I will approach my professors with confidence, using my newfound comfort with showing vulnerability. I will also help other people find their voices, even in the face of harsh disagreement, encouraging them to build their confidence and not easily get torn down by fear.
I am what I write, and that is not “pathetic.”
