This is the first amendment of the United States Constitution; a combination of words that makes up the most important rights of the American people; a combination of words that pieces together the foundation of our great country; and a combination of words that I became very familiar with this summer.

 

Recently I had the honor and pleasure of being invited to the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Conference, ideally located in our nation’s capitol, Washington D.C. This program was created to show young journalists the newest technologies that journalism has to offer, and to provide them with the advice and interaction of the most respected journalism gurus in the process. The experience was one that I awaited with much anticipation, but it wasn’t until the Washington Monument (the tallest structure in D.C. emerged from the trees on my cab ride to the conference on the first day, that something told me it would also be an experience that I would never forget.

 

With 51 rising seniors attending the conference, and one from each state, all of us arrived anxiously and with unknown expectations. The first night eased us into the program with dinner and an introduction at the Newseum, located just a few blocks from the Capitol and a couple more from the White House. This museum, founded by Al Neuharth (who also founded USA Today), is dedicated solely to the history and evolution of news; a museum that also has the First Amendment carved in stone on the side of its front wall. In this fitting environment, we woke up every morning to begin a busy, but unbelievable schedule of events that would leave an inspirational mark on every student.

 

Al Neuharth is a man with a vision for my generation. This vision is even more important in today’s times, with the distrust for the news media, scandals such as the Murdock incident, and news becoming purely entertainment. Shared by all of the Freedom Forum, Neuharth’s vision entails the absolute necessity for a free press in a democracy, but the integrity and responsibility that must come with it. During the conference, much was discussed on this subject, along with news media ethics and the importance of a press that brings its public accurate, objective information.

 

Out of all the unforgettable moments I experienced during this trip, one was especially memorable. It took place during our tour of the Capitol. At one point during the tour, we turned from one of the main hallways and began walking through the rooms where the press and journalists worked. The rooms were filled with small cluttered cubbies belonging to each journalist; all covered with scattered papers and newspapers, and above most of these cubbies sat numerous tiny black TV sets where every news station on air was playing. But the scene that struck me the most was the view from the windows of these rooms. Looking out over these cramped, unorganized cubbies was the most beautiful view of a bright green lawn leading to the Washington Monument, along with the national mall and the Lincoln Memorial seen in the distance. It was when viewing this scene that I felt inspired to make Washington D.C. a part of my future.

 

Since this trip I’ve also been thinking about what it means to be a free spirit, and I definitely believe it has something to do with searching for truth. But what is truth? I think it lies with seeing things as they are, aside from our personal biases and need for acceptance. I have discovered that when you’re a journalist, people are fond of you when you print what they support and believe, and it takes strength of mind to refuse the desire to give them what they want. I now know that journalism is complicated, but truth is simple. It just takes a little more work and objectivity, and a lack of fear when it comes to possibly losing the popularity contest. Seeking truth and not being tempted to “please” your reader takes courage. And that is the start of being a free spirit.

 

I left the Al Neuharth Conference with not just a strong interest in politics, a newfound thrill in journalism, and a longing to return to Washington D.C., but something I have failed to mention thus far. I left the conference with a strong connection with the 50 other students that were experiencing those moments with me. I have been to a few camps before, but I have never made such good friends as those that I spent just five short days with. I plan to keep up with all 50 and especially the closest friends I made from states such as Oregon, Minnesota, Ohio, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Already connected, maybe we could take on the challenge of carrying journalism into a new era - one dedicated to a greater sense of responsibility and search for truth - and even broadening the field to unknown limits. After all, we are Free Spirits.

 

Basch Jernigan will be a senior at Gulf Shores High School. He can be reached for comments or suggestions at basch@gulftel.com