While there were many factors that influenced me to pursue a career in journalism, my involvement in community service played one of the most significant roles. Over the years, I have volunteered in a variety of ways, such as helping with St. Clare’s religious education program, cleaning up local parks, participating in walks for important causes, and assisting my former school in setting up for events. Each of these experiences allowed me to encounter people from different walks of life, so I developed a deeper understanding of how everyone has a different role in making the community thrive. For example, during the local park cleanups, I noticed how passionate the volunteers and organizers were about the tasks that we had to do. They were always very insightful, and clearly knew a lot about the sites we were cleaning. Whether they talked about historical facts or personal connections they had to the area, I was constantly able to reflect upon all of the information they shared and learn something new. Similarly, at St. Clare, I noticed how everyone had a specific task to ensure that the religious education program was run smoothly and the students had a meaningful learning experience. Everyone always seemed to collaborate well with one another, remain organized, and portray their distinct role in the program. Through these service opportunities, I was able to develop several valuable skills, namely active listening, leadership, teamwork, and becoming more aware of things I previously did not know enough about or I was unfamiliar with. Interacting with so many different people made me realize that everyone has a unique story. Journalism could help bring attention to these individuals’ stories and make their voices more heard. People who are living their everyday lives deserve to share their own thoughts, ideas, and motives with the public, and showcase how they make the world a better place. Furthermore, journalists and writers could share everything they learn from people, so that they can uplift the community and promote positive change in society. Ultimately, my motivation for practicing journalism was not just because I enjoy writing, but it was also caused by volunteering, carefully listening, observing, and connecting with people.