Today, we see more and more how important journalism is to our society. But all great journalists start in the same place: as students.
Student reporting is becoming a crucial part of how we receive news. We can see that with the recent uproar regarding the “Cornell Seven” case. The alleged incident occurred in 2024, two years ago, but the nationwide attention did not start until recently. This began when the Cornell Daily Sun published an article about the lawsuit on September 18. This article was written and researched by a Cornell Class of 2027 student, Cereese Qusba. Qusba researched the story for months in advance prior to publishing; the Sun even secured an interview with the plaintiff of the lawsuit. As a result of the article gaining great attention, the case was reopened for further investigation.
So what does this show us about student journalism? The importance of student press can appear in many ways.
First, there is no better voice for the students than the students themselves. Bigger media outlets often overlook university stories, or they won’t highlight them in a way that connects with student readers. A reporter from a larger media outlet won’t have the firsthand experience of attending the university they are reporting on. Reporters are voices for the people; campus stories are commonly more appreciated when written by someone who walks that same campus daily.
Second, it fosters community. Student reporters can cover stories on sports teams or which professor gets better ratings. They can write about the dorm room experience that every freshman suffers through, or they can cover serious topics such as elections. School press and student reporters play a large role in making the community feel heard and seen. No matter the size of the campus, each community has a story, and it is special to know that someone out there cares enough to write about it.
Finally, student reporting plays a role in the bigger picture. University presses have the power to reach beyond campus borders, and “Cornell Seven” is the perfect example. Challenging administrators and taking risks is part of the power of the press. Students with the courage to challenge those in power have the ability to effect change. Student presses are the first stop for seeing the effects of change in our communities.
Student journalism is far more than experience gained before the real deal. Student journalism is the real deal. Students ask questions, uncover truths, and tell the stories that can easily slip between the cracks. Student reporters are shaping the way we view the news; they are the future of our media.
Remember, no journalist is too young to make an impact.