Across the United States, high schools have been banning many books regarding critical race theory and LGBTQ content from being taught in schools or available in school libraries. While society may be becoming more progressive in recent years, the number of banned books has increased due to politics polarizing our society.

Dr. Kevin Burke, an associate professor of English education at the University of Georgia said, “Education is about what most ought we teach, and in what ways is it best to teach it.” 

In some cases the only place students have access to literacy is from their schools. And oftentimes, by taking these books out of school curriculums and libraries this can limit what students have access to and the types of content they are exposed to. 

Dr. Sara Kajder, also an associate professor of English education at the University of Georgia stated “You’re going to have a lot of folks who can access books because of their privilege, and a lot of folks who can’t. And that leads to other implications.” 

By restricting the types of content and underrepresented characters students are able to access, this can have an effect on how students perceive themselves and others. Dr. Burke spoke about an argument used in English called mirrors and windows. 

He said, “We read things to reflect our stories back to us in mirrors and we read things that don’t reflect back to us but to understand or to think with people and places and experiences that are different from ours in windows.”

By only having books available that reflect a single perspective, this can be damaging for students who don’t fit that perspective. It can also be damaging to society as only one type of identity is validated and displayed in the media, this can further isolate those who are different. 

Dr. Kajder said “Without books that help us see the world in new and expansive ways, if we’re walking around the world just with single stories, I think its going to make it so that we have even less ability to hold multiple ideas of being true at the same time.”

It’s extremely vital for young people to be able to have access to books that they can identify with and books that validate their experiences.

 “Theres something more dangerous in that the books right now that are being challenged are books that help kids see themselves,” said Dr. Kajder “If you’ve never had that joyful experience of relating to a character and seeing yourself in that character it’s limiting. It’s so limiting.”

Some may agree that it is parents or organizations that are challenging books. When kids read books that feature homosexuallity or ethnically diverse characters on their own, its not the kids who have an issue with the content, but their authority figures. 

Dr. Kajder said, “It’s very rare that theres a student who says ‘you know what, I’m not ready for this book’, or ‘I’m disturbed and disquieted by this book’.”

“Controlling the curriculum means that you have control in lots of ways over the information people have access too or dont have access too.” Said Dr. Burke.

By saying that controversial content in books are wrong, or removing contreversial books completely, teaches students to become ignorant to other people’s experiences. This is why it’s so important to try to fight the banning of books and keep books about all types of people in the hands of students. 

Cynthia Bolton is a high school English teacher from Rockledge, Florida. She said, “If we limit the materials students read we’re really limiting their experiences, and therefore kind of preventing them from being able to really unite a society and work with those who differ from themselves.”

“I think we do kids a really big disservice if we dont teach them to find books that speak to them for whatever reason those books speak to them.”

While challenging books is dangerous, some good can also come out of it. When books are being challenged, teachers may have to advocate for why a particular book is important. 

Bolton recollected on a time where she had to respond to a parent who challenged a book that she was teaching. She had to explain why the sensitive themes and topics discussed in the book were relevant and important.

“I think it was a good experience in the sense that we had to basically justify why we were teaching the titles, and that there was value and worth to the novel.” She added.

English teachers across the United States facing backlash for books they are teaching or telling their students about may not know what to do. Dr. Burke and Dr. Kajder both agree that its vital to have community backing when these issues arise. Dr. Kajder also makes a point that challenging a book does not equal challenging a teacher.

Teachers, parents, and community members must keep up the fight to have all types of books available to students and raise awareness about how important identifying with literacy is for everyone.

Dr. Burke said “There is an ethical obligation and a professional obligation to do what is best by our students and our communities and that inherently includes teaching about racial history and injustice and inherently involves teaching about the deep humanity of minority sexualities.”

No matter race, gender or class, everyone wants to be successful. However, what does success mean in simple terms?

Success means achieving or accomplishing a goal. This goal could be getting a high paying job or it could be being fulfilled in life through various ways. When asked the question of whether success comes from wealth or wellbeing, two upcoming college freshmen said that happiness was the most important factor in their lives. Coming from their own personal experiences, Olivia and Ivy said their situation may not be the same for everyone, but their wellbeing mattered the most.

Billionaire entrepreneur and businessman Richard Branson wayed into the debate as well. While the founder of Virgin Records has billions of dollars, he disagrees with the widely known statement “money equals happiness”.

“Too many people measure how successful they are by how much money they make or the people they associate with,” he wrote. “In my opinion, true success should be measured by how happy you are.”

Entrepreneur and television personality Mark Cuban also offers his opinion on the topic.

“To me, success is waking up in the morning with a smile on your face, knowing it’s going to be a great day,” he said.

Additionally, it is evident that not all successful people have millions of dollars lying around. Vincent Van Gogh only sold one painting in his lifetime. While his paintings are now worth millions, he did not have that much money while he was alive. Despite this, Van Gogh is deemed successful and is one of the most influential artists of the 21st century. 

On the other hand, money can lead you to live a better lifestyle, which contributes to becoming successful. A research study at Binghamton University in New York found that success materialism (wealth and material possessions are a sign of success in life) positively influences life satisfaction by boosting a person’s economic satisfaction. 

While this may be true, many successful people had a hard upbringing and became successful through their own determination. Oprah Winfrey, for example, grew up in poverty. This obstacle did not stop her from working hard and becoming one of the most inspiring talk-show hosts in America. This just goes to show that having money does not drive peoples’ actions. Ambitions, dreams and goals are the reason people get to where they want to go. 

In simple terms, having money does not mean you are successful. On the other hand, having no money doesn’t mean you are not successful. Success is a personal achievement that has no limits. 

ATHENS, GEORGIA- Joe Dennis is one known for his intelligence towards journalism and his wise knowledge for young students interested in journalism. 

“I really like journalism” said Joe Dennis while talking to a group of young high school kids at a journalism camp located at the University of Georgia held June of 2022. “I’ve always had a heart to look out for the people that have been forgotten.” 

For one week in June, a group of 20 kids gathered around a table to learn from Joe Dennis himself. On their first day of camp, Joe had decided that the students may conduct an interview about him. Around their table, each kid had a chance to ask Joe whatever questions they had liked. Along with all the journalism questions, Joe had reflected many questions back to his childhood, especially his culture. 

“It feels right to me” is what Joe said when talking about his family gatherings. “It is interesting how that impacted my childhood.” 

Dennis had revealed that he comes from a Filipino family. Both his mother and his sister had immigrated over to the United States while his father was born in Michigan. Joe was raised in Chicago and moved down to Georgia with his wife. When talking about memories from his childhood, Dennis said that he was embarrassed of his culture, this was until he was older. He is now proud of being Filipino and likes to incorporate it into his children’s life. Including this part of his life is an important step for Joe, and so his religion, 

“I was Catholic” said Joe, but then had stated, “I was too Catholict out”. 

Raised as a Catholic, Joe had stopped after meeting his wife. Due to their beliefs being different, they both decided to find a religion that could share some of the same beliefs and values, especially when it came to raising their children. When it came to the decision, they had both decided to be Methodists. Joe had mentioned that raising kids with the same values and beliefs is very important. 

“I’ve taught hundreds of kids that are now in media”. 

Due to his amazing teaching and his knowledge, Joe has led many kids to become the greatest people they were meant to be. He led this young group of journalism kids to broaden their worlds and to view it in a bigger picture. Even with his comedic teaching methods, Joe still continues to impact kids in and out of school. He is a person that takes pride in himself and shows how to be confident. 

“Which is what I am”

With this being her first year here, Heaven navigates through the challenges of journalism.

“The toughest would be just learning a whole new skill and expecting to be good at it. Like wanting assignments to be turned in within three weeks, when three weeks ago I didn’t know what journalism was.”

Heaven originally came from Eastern Michigan University, where she received her bachelor’s in literature language and writing. Before she became invested in journalism, theater arts and communication was one of her main priority. Over a period of time her interest began to shift when she realizes what she really wanted to devote her time too.

“To answer your question was because a door open and why not, walk through it.” she said.

Heaven wanted to continue her path on mass communication, due to the fact that she minored in it back at Eastern Michigan. Her goal was to continue that pathway and continue learning about communications.

“I wanted to go to school for mass communication, you know I did my minor in communications.” she said.

Heaven explains how switching from a theatre and literature background to a journalistic background can be difficult. Especially because of those two different paths involve different types of writing. she then goes on and explains about different experienced that she had which helped her learn more about herself in this field.

“My advice to you, which i’m still struggling with, don’t be afraid to get told that you are doing something wrong.”

My name is Sebastian. I was born in Decatur, Georgia and moved to Oconee County when I was 6.

I’ve played the saxophone since 6th grade — I like the instrument because it’s a great medium to express some of my favorite music, which is jazz.

I started wrestling a couple years ago, and I wrestle in the 160 class (though that’s not what I weigh right now). I’m okay at wrestling, but better at saxophone.

I am at journalism camp to try to learn more about reporting. Reporting is something I’ve always thought was cool from watching the reporters on TV, because they where in dangerous situations like war zones and natural disasters.

Other than journalism, I’ve thought about being a lawyer – my dad was a lawyer, and the show, “Better Call Saul,” makes it look cool — he leads an interesting life. If he wasn’t a lawyer, no one would know who Saul Goodman was. Even though my dad’s life isn’t as perilous as Saul’s, he has just as many enemies.

Heaven Jobe’s a first year grad student pursuing journalism to have a bigger voice

“I wanted to teach a bigger audience.  I didn’t want to be stuck in a classroom” 

Heaven Jobe is a first year grad student at the University of Georgia.  After previously teaching at a middle school she jumped into the world of grad school.  “Doors opened” Jobe remarks as her reason for making the big leap.  The Mich. native had never sought after journalism.  Infact Jobe entered undergrad with the intent of focusing on education as well as communications.  The journalism student voices how she was limited in her previous career. “I wanted to teach a bigger audience” she explains “I didn’t want to be stuck in a classroom”.  Journalism seems to provide a perfect loop whole.  

“He doesn’t really care about himself” Jobe’s father says.

Referring to her older father with health problems, Jobe explains what brought her focus into studying health.  She wants to learn about health to better prepare her father to advocate for himself.  She also describes certain words to avoid while writing about certain demographics.

“The thing that stood out to me was learning about HIPPA and how they know about hippa and how so many people think they know about hippa and what they can and can’t do”.  

Jobe responds in reference to a student asking about what she has specifically researched to help her dad.  It is evidently clear that Jobe is passionate about helping both her father and health care as a whole “I love him” she elucidates.  

“Don’t be afraid to get told you are doing something wrong”

After being asked for advice for aspiring journalists she explains how she feels like she can’t achieve her goals by making a mistake.

“I can do it and that’s why I am here”

ATHENS, GA – Redirecting from Creative Writing to Journalism as a First generation college student.

“My senior year of high school, it was their first year having a creative writing class,” said Heaven Jobe, Assistant of the University of Georgia’s Journalism Camp, addressing high school journalist prospects. “I really just liked being able to be free and have no rules, and write whatever I wanted to.”

Held on June 14 at the Grady College School of Communication in Athens, Ga., Jobe, opened up a discussion for the students to ask her anything ranging from how she began her studies in journalism to how she is continuing to evolve in her courses. She and Camp Director, Dr. Joe Dennis has taken the responsibility to teach the future generation of aspiring journalists. Students checked into their dorms on Sunday afternoon to move-in and began instruction the following day. 

Jobe explained that she earned her bachelor’s degree at Eastern Michigan University with a major in Literature and Theater Arts and a minor in Communication. That was her original career path but she decided to move to journalism when she decided to take her fathers health into consideration. 

“With my dad being older, compared to most of my friends, like he’s older than their friends, it was important for me to kinda learn more about African Americans in health.”

Jobe was open and candid with the students as to why she found journalism as a better opportunity to stay in school and find what she is truly passionate about. She talked about her passion for health with athletes and minorities. The 1st year grad says “The opportunity was brought to me and I took the opportunity because it’s something that applies to everyone.” She is a big advocate for mental health and focuses her stories about the struggles people go through. One of the most important things she likes to talk about in her stories is Hepatitis. She is adamant on informing her audience about what it is, the risks, and the people that live with it now.  

“Don’t be afraid to get told that you’re doing something wrong.”

Raised in the city of Atlanta, but born in Austell, Georgia, Ren Lloyd has experienced multiple failures and successes while finding her calling in the Journalism field. As a young girl she focused heavily on academics and putting school work and grades before anything else. During elementary school she constantly maintained A’s and B’s in her classes. However, her studies only took up about 50% of her time. She played piano and practiced religiously. She even learned how to play “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven as a 1st grader in elementary school. During her lifetime she took on a plethora of hobbies including gymnastics, swimming, ballet and cheer. However, none of these hobbies seemed to pique her interest. As she began her journey to middle school, she saw herself slipping, becoming more aware of herself. As the only person of color in her class, she struggled to maintain her culture and her identity, constantly feeling left out. Her bubbly, extroverted personality seemed to clash with the rigorous, serious mannerisms of the students in her class. She put up a front that did not match her true personality and led to insecurity and depression, Later in middle school, she found a love for writing. She wrote, short stories, narratives, and essays of all sorts, and even wrote for her school Yearbook. Leading into High School she became more sure of herself and her future. She continued her passion for writing by participating in North Cobb High School’s newspaper staff. Now she will edit Opinions pieces for her page and she strives to attend UGA with a major in Journalism and a minor in Communications. Although she took a while to find herself in the chaotic thing called life, she knows what she wants and she will climb mountains to achieve it.

A co-facilitator at the University of Georgia summer academy’s journalism camp, Heaven Jobe started her college career with an interest in poetry and creative writing.

“I just really like being free of rules, but also write about whatever I wanted to,” she said.

At the camp, Jobe works alongside Joe Dennis to lead students who are interested in the field of journalism. As a graduate student, journalism -particularly in the health field- has been at the peak of Jobe’s interests, however, that wasn’t always her plan. Jobe’s higher education started with plans of becoming an educator herself majoring in literature, language and writing. She dreamed of teaching an English or creative writing class but it was her minor in theatre arts and communication that lead her into journalism for grad school.

“I wanted to go (back) to school for mass communication because, you know, I did my minor in communication,” Jobe said. “But once I turned in my application to UGA, the admissions reached out to me with this opportunity.”

In her work with Dennis, Jobe has provided a new lens to the camp as someone who is actively teaching and learning the skills of journalism at once. Often, it seems that Dr. Dennis takes on the bulk of the work but observers may notice that Jobe steps up -somewhat essentially- to lead the camp. From being a more relatable voice to many of the students, reminding Dennis to provide definitions for uncommon terms and even providing insight on how to find sources, Jobe has a major role from both a facilitative and educational perspective. Dennis shares some personal insight to his collaboration with Jobe.

“Heaven has been a great asset to teaching this class,” Dennis said. “She’s provided some insight that helped fill in the gaps that I may leave.”

Even as a facilitator, Jobe is transparent about her newness to the field. Often during the camp, she asks questions, takes notes and participates in games for her own benefit. It is this level of engagement that truly lends to Jobe’s relatability and ability to connect with the camp’s students. She speaks on the duality of teaching and learning at the same time.

“I’m still working on my own journalistic (skills),” she says. “You see that I’m asking questions when we’re playing Kahoot, so I’m still wanting to get better and learn but at the same time teach you about my own experiences.”

Regardless of how she got into it, Jobe’s new passion for journalism has proved to benefit her in many ways. She has made connections with people like Dr. Dennis, she has been able to explore the differences in various writing styles and through the camp, she has even delved back into education.

“A door opened and why not walk through it,” Jobe said.

From Eastern Michigan University to UGA, Heaven Jobe is excited about journalism.

“I liked being able to be free in rules, but also write about anything I wanted to,” said Heaven Jobe, a first-year teacher assisting with the journalism camp at the University of Georgia. “My decision changed after my first year of college.”

The annual journalism camp that held each year began on Monday, June 20 where a group of 20 high school students met to learn more about the nature of journalism by instructors Joe Dennis and Jobe- while getting experience on interviewing by asking any questions they may have wanted to know about them.

Jobe spoke a lot about her father and how she wanted to be informed about what he was going through, that is why she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. Her tone was very joking and light when talking about her father and she expresses, “I love him, I appreciate him.”

“It was important for me to learn more about African Americans and learn more about things that he is dealing with,” she said. “I want to help him advocate for him.”

Being a teacher is a familiar experience for Jobe.

“I always wanted to a be teacher,” she said. “I wanted to be able to teach for a larger audience and not be stuck in the classroom.”

That is why she is assisting at UGA with 20 students, trying to teach them her experience with journalism in college. She started at Eastern Michigan University with a degree in literature, language and writing, and a minor in theatre art and communications. Her passion changed and the opportunity came to her. She expressed that while she is here and was given this opportunity to teach, she explains that she is still learning and attempting to teach the journalism students as well.

“My stories have been something that I can relate to,” she said.

Jobe spoke to the journalism students about her childhood and she explained that she was involved in sports. She said that her stories are mostly about the things that she is interested in , like mental health issues among youth athletes. She can relate to those youth athletes because she played a lot of differences sports.

Jobe offered her advice to students interested in the field of journalism. She explained to students that there are a lot of risks that you have to take to get that story or source. She also stated that being “turned down” is a part of the job and how you cannot be afraid to fail.

“I am still working on my own journalism,” she said. “I am still trying to get better and learn and teach you about my own experiences.”