From South Africa: YJI ‘Put Me On Right Track’

DURBAN, South Africa — Growing up, I had no clue as to what I wanted to spend my life doing.

I was pretty confused. When I reached the end of high school, my future was still unclear. In my first year of college, though, I developed a great interest in journalism.

Unfortunately, media opportunities are quite limited here in Durban, South Africa.

I was extremely keen to get some experience, so I did what every other teenager would do if they needed an answer and needed it fast: I Googled!

Youth Journalism International came up, and I clicked on its link.

I have to admit that I’m not much of a reader, but when the page downloaded, I was amazed to see stories from all across the globe!

I applied to become a student thinking I would never get a reply.

Boy, was I wrong! YJI replied and before I knew it,I was a junior reporter.

It wasn’t long before it was time to write my first article. I jumped right ahead.

Youth Journalism International makes its students feel as though they can conquer the world! That’s exactly how I felt when I saw my first article online.

It’s not just about writing good stories. We are able to discover the world through other YJI students. I have made many friends thus far. I call them my YJI family, because that’s what they really are.

Youth Journalism International has benefited me in many ways and I am forever grateful.

I really mean when I say that the lessons I’ve learned from Youth Journalism International, I would have never been able to get anywhere else.

YJI has put me on the right track.

It will always be apart of my past, my present, and my future!