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Growing Up with a Voice: My Journey into Journalism

From as early as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to stories—not just reading them, but telling them. I still recall the excitement of holding my first pen, feeling like I had a microphone in my hand, ready to share something important. Growing up in Nigeria, where voices are often silenced or ignored, I knew that finding my own voice wouldn’t be easy. But it was a challenge I was ready to meet.

My journey into journalism began in the classrooms of the College of Education, Zuba, where I study English and Social Studies. At first, I was just a student trying to navigate lessons and exams. But soon, I realized that learning how to write well was a tool for something bigger—a way to speak truth to power and to tell the stories of people whose voices were rarely heard.

Interning with Leadership Newspaper was a turning point. For the first time, I stepped into a newsroom, a place buzzing with the urgency of deadlines and the weight of responsibility. I learned that journalism is not just about reporting facts but about connecting with people, understanding their struggles, and giving them a platform. It was in that space that my voice grew stronger, more confident.

Starting my blog, TFresh Civic Voice, was the next step. It became my personal outlet to explore ideas about gender equality, youth empowerment, and civic responsibility. Writing for the blog allowed me to experiment with my style, to speak directly to readers, and to engage with topics that mattered deeply to me. Through every post, I felt my voice growing clearer and more determined.

But the journey hasn’t been without doubts and struggles. There were times when I wondered if anyone was listening, if my words could truly make a difference. Yet, every comment, every share, every encouragement reminded me that a voice, once found, cannot be silenced.

Today, I am still growing—learning how to tell stories that matter, how to use journalism not just to inform but to inspire change. My voice is no longer just mine; it belongs to the youth, the marginalized, and those who are still searching for their own.

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