By: Kayla Kinsey
Opinion Editor
I have always been a lover of writing, more specifically, journaling. Writing is so impactful to me that I even dedicated one of my college essays to it, and this column reflects some of those ideas. In middle school, journaling gave me the ability to write down everything — from long lists of my favorite words, to poems or essays pertaining to the events, feelings, and philosophical musings that my twelve-year-old mind conjured up. Because I seldom share my personal writing to other people, this form of expression allowed me to make sense of the world privately, and I was ever fascinated with its reflective properties. So, when I decided to join La Vista my sophomore year of high school, I experienced a major transition as a writer, first discovering my “inner voice”, then learning how to use it publicly.
I began as a staff writer, writing about world issues and local affairs and conducting interviews with people in my community. I enjoyed it, yet I struggled with the daunting notion that my peers and community would be reading not just my writing, but also my values, sometimes over-the-top ideas, and now my grown, seventeen-year-old philosophical musings as the Opinion Editor of the school paper.
My biggest inspiration through this transition was Mr. McAvin, La Vista advisor and mentor to many. As often said by Mr. McAvin, we as journalists, must “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” His message inspired me when writing my most difficult stories, as upholding a duty to write with integrity and truth was important to him, and to me. He taught me that we have a duty to our community and to our friends to be activists and stand up for what we believe in.
Mr. McAvin has taught me everything I know in the journalism field, but has also prepared me to flourish after high school with life lessons. He taught me to be confident when introducing my own initiatives to the paper and to embrace my personal values with full force. Mr. McAvin will permanently leave an impact on La Vista, Mira Costa, and the South Bay community.
I wanted to start this column because I aim to incorporate some of the lessons on free expression that I’ve learned from Mr. McAvin. Whether it’s journaling, poetry, or storytelling, writing can be therapeutic and is a creative way to be expressive. I know that this column is not a private outlet, yet I feel that Mira Costa peers may be able to relate or connect to some musings written in these diary entries. I would not be where I am today without the help from mentors and leaders. So, take a look at mentors in your life. Their guidance, wisdom, and support may inspire you to explore your own personal passions.
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