Hello! My name is Kirsten Jolly, and I am a rising senior attending New Manchester High School, located in Douglasville, Georgia. In school, I am recognized as a dedicated member, and ambassador of our magnet arts program: F.A.M.E, under the visual arts department, I am President of my school’s Social Media Club, and Debate Team, and Co-Founder/Editor-in-Chief of my school’s digital magazine, The Jaguar Journal.
While my journalistic journey not always been as clear, as it is now my constantly evolving passion for journalism has certainly reshaped avenues of my high school career.
My journalistic journey, like many great things, started quiet, small, and unintimidating. My sophomore year, I joined a club, or two, discovered UGA’s G.S.P.A, learned to combine both of my passions for writing, and art, and found my love for graphic design and visual storytelling. Gradually, and unbeknownst to me, my activities began to shape me into the person I am proud to be today. I learned to hone my skills in a unique light, and discovered the true purpose of my voice: to make a difference.
Moving into my junior year, I expanded my sights towards leadership positions, and with that newfound power, I took the time to contribute towards the things I believed truly mattered. I fought to combat harsh stereotypes that stifled the success of my peers, and I actioned this through founding a digital magazine at my school.
This gave my peers the ability to take control of the narrative that dictated their perception, instead, representing them in a positive light.
Through the majority of my junior year, I worked closely alongside Social Media and Debate Club advisor, Ms.Serena Robertson, who soon grow to be a true inspiration and mentor for my story to come. She emboldened me as a leader to be headstrong and confident in both my academic and personal pursuits. She shaped me, not only as a leader, but person.
As I move into my senior year, I realize that I, as well as most of my peers are beginning to plan the framework for the rest of our lives. Despite intimidation, and sheer fear, of the future, there is one thing, that I remain relentlessly confident in. I am confident that the anchor that has guided me towards so many passions of my life shall remain present. I shall continue to combat the stigmas, hone my skills, and represent confidence in all my future endeavors, allowing journalism to guide my life towards new avenues, and new horizons.
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