Sophie Czirr

I am Sophie Czirr, the Powell Tribune's latest intern and rookie. I’ve always enjoyed stories in every shape or form whether they were plastered on a page or presented to me in cinematic form. I was hooked. But becoming a journalist was far from my plan. By age 15 I was set in health care, received my CNA certification and was ready to work. That is until I joined my high school journalism class. 

The class was nothing like anything I’d been a part of before. By being a student-led organization, the Prowl gave me independence in my work that I wasn’t used to. I’d grown up watching and reading stories, but now I could write my own. My stories slowly progressed from lighthearted pieces into politics and advocacy for young kids with special needs. My most significant literary piece was in the middle of my junior year when I was asked to attend a Holocaust lecture at Northwest College. The speaker guided the audience through a series of horrific events his father endured as a victim of the Holocaust, and the importance of sharing his father’s story. I could extend that legacy and give the son another literary avenue to honor his father. 

After the thrill of writing sunk in, I made a dramatic switch in my career path and redirected my education to literature. The former legendary editors Jimmy Dees and Emma Johnson allowed me to become the news editor for the Prowl, expanding my experience from not only writing but editing as well. I’ve worked alongside some of the greatest writers Powell High School has to offer, and could potentially advance the world of writing someday. Just when I think I’ve got the hang of writing, another curve ball is thrown my way and I learn something completely different. Each writer at the Prowl, returning or new, expands my knowledge in journalism and assists me in composing a variety of stories.              

As I’ve expanded my knowledge of the journalistic world, I’ve learned the perspective of some journalists is to get the story no matter what despite the trail of harm you leave behind. The Tribune holds a higher standard in its writing and expresses accomplishments and support within the community, rather than destructive pieces intended to expose whoever it can. I hope to take those same values with me when I begin my journalism career. As a writer, my main goal has been to give a voice to those who want to share their story. I hope that with my time here at the Tribune I better prepare myself to enter the journalism world as a writer with eagerness and integrity.