Columbia University student journalists recently found themselves at the center of a thrilling and historic event: the drama surrounding the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. For days, these aspiring reporters, writers, and broadcasters had a front-row seat to one of the most highly anticipated and controversial events of the year.
As a student journalist myself, I can only imagine the excitement and pressure that these young journalists must have felt. From the moment the allegations against Kavanaugh were made public, the media was in a frenzy, and Columbia’s student journalists were no exception. They quickly sprang into action, determined to cover this momentous event with accuracy, integrity, and passion.
For many of these students, this was their first taste of real-world journalism and the intensity that comes with it. They were thrown into the thick of things, attending press conferences, conducting interviews, and constantly updating their coverage. And with the confirmation vote looming, the stakes were high.
But despite the pressure, these talented journalists rose to the occasion. They worked tirelessly, often sacrificing sleep and personal time, to deliver comprehensive and insightful coverage of the events unfolding before their eyes. Their dedication and determination to report the truth is a testament to the values instilled in them at Columbia’s esteemed journalism program.
What made this experience even more unique for these student journalists was the fact that they were witnessing history in the making. This confirmation process was one of the most polarizing and controversial in recent memory, and these students were witnessing it firsthand. They were witnessing democracy in action, as senators debated and cast their votes, and protesters expressed their views outside the Capitol.
The drama and tension surrounding Kavanaugh’s confirmation brought out the best in these student journalists. They were not just bystanders, but active participants in the events unfolding. They asked tough questions, challenged authority, and reported with a level of maturity and professionalism that is rare for students of their age.
As the confirmation vote drew closer, the atmosphere on Columbia’s campus was electric. Students and faculty alike were glued to their screens, eagerly following the live updates from their peers on the front lines. And when the final vote was cast, and Kavanaugh was confirmed, the entire campus seemed to let out a collective sigh of relief and disbelief.
But the work of these student journalists was far from over. With the nation still reeling from the confirmation, they continued to report on the aftermath and the reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. They provided a voice for the students on campus, who were divided in their opinions and emotions about the events that had unfolded.
For these student journalists, this experience was more than just a news story to cover. It was a transformative moment in their budding careers. They had the opportunity to see the power of journalism in action, to witness how their words and reporting can shape public opinion and influence change.
But perhaps the most significant impact of this experience was the realization that journalism is not just a career, but a responsibility. These student journalists understood that they have a duty to report the truth, to hold those in power accountable, and to give a voice to those who may not have one.
As the dust settles on the Kavanaugh confirmation, and life on Columbia’s campus returns to normal, these student journalists will carry with them the lessons and memories of this extraordinary experience. They have proven that they have what it takes to be successful in the ever-changing and challenging world of journalism.
In the end, it was not just the drama and intensity of the Kavanaugh confirmation that made this experience so valuable for Columbia’s student journalists. It was the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves, to see the impact that their work can have, and to understand the vital role that journalism plays in our society. And for that, they should be commended for their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the truth.
