Many people disagree with the newspaper Talon Marks produces and some would even like to abolish the entire production of a Cerritos College newspaper.

Many may see the paper as just something a bunch of students put together last minute to criticize and call out people to create conflicts.

Regardless of what many may say about Talon Marks, to me, the newspaper and its staff has grown to be much more than just staff writers and articles.

If it weren’t for my experience here with the paper, I would not have grown not only as a student, but also as a friend, a woman, and more importantly, a person.

At the beginning of this semester, I joined a class titled “Journalism 103 Newspaper Article Writing.”

I joined it thinking it was a class that taught you how to write newspaper articles.

Little did I know that I would soon be writing for the Talon Marks.

In all honesty, I signed up for the class because I was registering late and it was one of the only journalism classes open.

Despite me obliviously joining the class with an obvious misconception of what it would be like, I must say that this has been one the best experiences of my life.

The people I met, the love they’ve shown, the articles I’ve written, and the things I’ve learned have all become something I will most definitely keep at heart.

For personal reasons, I was looking for something that I could excel in, something that would efface inner issues I had and deterge all doubts about myself.

I needed something to prove to myself that I was not only worthy, but also capable of succeeding in life.

I found that and so much more writing for the paper.

On the third issue of our paper, I wrote an article regarding the attire of the Cerritos College cheerleaders.

I must admit it was a poorly written article.

I did not know better then and I definitely had not had any prior experience or knowledge as to how to write an opinion article.

I still strongly stand with the same opinion, but now I understand that I could have expressed my view in a much more journalistic and professional manner.

However, if I had not written that article and had not portrayed my views the way I did, I would not have gotten as close to the rest of the staff members as I have done so.

I was not ready for all the controversy, criticism, and hate mail, let alone the conflicts with people that this article would provide.

Yet, my fellow staff members were there to not only defend me, but also help me cope with all the mixed emotions I was feeling.

They had my back no matter what would happen.

No one can truly understand how much having their encouragement and support meant to me.

I got pregnant at 17, was disowned from my family, and was forced to become a single mother.

I had not been receiving much support lately.

But here they were, a staff that I hardly knew and they were supporting me and having my back 100%.

It felt good to know that there were people out there I could count on, especially when I did not know how to handle the situation.

The newspaper allowed me to push aside my doubts and fears and put myself out there.
It forced me to get out on the field and grow confidence to not be afraid to interview people and do whatever it takes to obtain a story.

I’ve met so many people and have learned so much due to the newspaper.

Not to mention all the fun times I’ve had at football games, water polo games, running for homecoming and building our float.

This entire semester, I looked forward to coming to school.

I knew I would not be bored and that there would always be something for me to do.

I knew there would be a story for me to take.

I knew I would meet someone new and exciting.

I’ve met several interesting people from just covering a story, some who are even part of the ASCC.

I know there are differences between the newspaper and our student government.

These issues could easily be resolved by having some form, any form or communication.

I defend the paper a lot because I know what it is like to produce a paper.

I know all the hard work and dedication that is expected and exerted as part of the newspaper staff.

I’ve grown and learned so much from this experience.

I can honestly say it has changed my life.

Therefore, I don’t take offenses to the paper lightly.

The newspaper enables people to express themselves and grow as individuals.

It allows people to explore the field and find qualities in themselves that would otherwise stay hidden.

You grow to be responsible, dedicated, and professional.

Yet, you still get to have fun and experience exciting and interesting new things.

I don’t see why someone would want to deprive another being of such a wonderful and learning journey.

Because of the challenges I was forced to face writing for the newspaper, I’ve learned so many life lessons.

I’ve grown to be proud of myself and the person I have become.

It may not mean much or anything at all to most people, but being part of the Talon Marks staff this semester was everything to me.