MEXICO CITY – When students arrived at the YJI casa in Mexico City, they buzzed with energy and excitement. Many had traveled across oceans and spent hours on planes, and some had left their home countries for the first time to attend Youth Journalism International’s third global conference.
For many of them, this would be the first time they met other YJI students in person. They arrived with open minds and hearts, leaving the conference with strong friendships and cherished memories.
Together, we had thought-provoking conversations well past midnight over cups of steaming tea, held hands and danced together in parks and shared snacks from their homes while writing heartfelt notes to each other.
Students collaborated on stories discussing the vibrant culture and history of Mexico City, learning about journalism in the most interactive way possible.
We visited the Reforma newspaper headquarters and spoke to Mexican journalists. We shared a meal with investigative reporter Lilia Saúl Rodríguez, getting a true look into the Mexican journalism scene.
Everyone at the conference grew. We made lifelong friendships and challenged ourselves despite sometimes being afraid.
These stories reflect our commitment to journalism and each other.
I hope that you will read our work.
Sreehitha Gandluri is a Senior Correspondent with Youth Journalism International from Maryland, U.S.A. She wrote this article.
