The Power of Writing

Before I joined the journalism class, I already liked writing. Mostly journaling or random thoughts I wrote down in my book. But something changed when I started writing articles. Journalism made me realize that writing isn’t just about being creative or good with words—it’s about telling real stories that matter. I started to see how powerful it could be when it came from a place of honesty.

One topic I’ve always felt strongly about is how teens are often misunderstood or underestimated. Writing about that in an authentic way can challenge how adults view us. We’re not just lazy or depressed, we’re thinking, growing, and trying to figure things out. When I write honestly about what it feels like to be a teen right now, I think it can spark real conversations and maybe even change some minds. Even though adults were once teenagers, they were not a teenager in 2025.

I believe writing with honesty is way more important than following traditional rules or expectations. If everyone wrote the same way, there’d be no new ideas, no real voices. I haven’t always written authentically. In the past, I’ve definitely shaped my words to sound more “correct” or to fit what I thought teachers wanted to hear. I would even resort to using AI to write things for me. But I realized how fake and useless it sounds.

Moving forward, I want to trust my voice more. I’m learning that being real doesn’t mean being messy or unprofessional, it means being clear about what I think and feel. When I write exactly what I want to (with a clear idea), my words have more impact. People connect with truth, even if it’s not perfect.

Authenticity really matters in all types of writing—especially in journalism, opinion pieces, and personal essays. If the writing isn’t real, it’s just noise (as you say;) ). To make sure my writing reflects me, I try to pause before I write and ask myself, “What do I actually think about this?” not “What am I supposed to say?”

There was one article I wrote about “The Power of No” and how it affects not only students but everyone. I noticed how many people had a hard time talking about their experiences out loud, but writing about it helped them be honest without feeling judged. I realized that some of them actually have been holding that in for so long. Writing about it freed them from that fear and that grudge they held for so long. Seeing people relate to it made me realize that writing can do more than inform—it can connect and heal.

I do think writing has the power to change minds and inspire action. Words are how we understand each other. And when they come from a real place, they stick. I’ve seen it happen in my own school—one well-written article can get people thinking differently, or even push them to make changes. That’s why I’m sticking with writing. It helps me say what matters.

Interested? Find more by Mystra here!

ABOUT MYSTRA

Mystra is a 16-year-old 10th grader who attends Centner Academy. Her interest consists of a strong passion for music and television production. Mystra will contribute to The Hive Happenings podcast. She tries to thrive in her environment no matter where that is. She is a first-time journalist and is very excited to be part of the team.