The Jewish Light has always held a special place in my heart. For as long as I can remember, my family has stacked piles of Jewish Light newspapers on our living room coffee table. I fondly remember flipping through issues, completely absorbed by the diverse stories within the St. Louis Jewish community. At the time, I hoped to one day write stories as impactful as those I had so greatly enjoyed reading.

At the start of my freshman year, I joined my high school’s yearbook staff. While on staff, I learned the ins and outs of photography and design. But most importantly, I developed a passion for writing. As I approached my sophomore year of high school, I sought out opportunities to strengthen my journalistic writing. While flipping through a Jewish Light paper, something new caught my eye: Ohr Chadash. I immediately reached out to the Light’s teen page advisor, eager to embark on this new opportunity.

While on staff of Ohr Chadash, I have been fortunate enough to connect with incredible individuals throughout the St. Louis Jewish community and beyond. From interviewing local business owners to getting to know the 2021-2022 Shinshinim, I have had many opportunities to share others’ personal stories. In addition, it has been an honor to serve as editor-in-chief of the teen page this past year. The role has afforded me both the opportunity to grow as a journalist while using my skills to help other staff members. I have enjoyed working with so many talented young writers and journalists along with an encouraging and insightful advisor.

Next fall I plan on studying journalism at the University of Missouri. I am grateful for the countless opportunities and skills I have gained while on the teen page staff, and I look forward to pursuing a career in journalism.