North Royalton High School senior Peyton Stepic entered the Washington Journalism and Media Conference unsure whether journalism was the right career path for her. She left with greater confidence in her abilities, a broader understanding of the field and a desire to help other NRHS students experience the same opportunity.
Stepic attended the conference last year as a National Youth Correspondent representing North Royalton High School. She first learned about the program through a letter she received in the mail at a time when she was questioning whether she was suited for a career in journalism.
“I thought that it would help me learn if journalism was right for me,” said Stepic.
During the weeklong experience, Stepic participated in simulations focused on the First Amendment and pitching story ideas to a newsroom. Students also developed elevator pitches, practiced networking and learned from professionals working in different areas of journalism and media. One of Stepic’s most memorable experiences was a field visit to WUSA9, where she toured the television station and spoke with professionals working both in front of and behind the camera.
She also was inspired by freelance photojournalist Anna Layden, whose passion for her profession stood out to Stepic even though photography had not previously been one of her primary interests. The conference also changed Stepic’s perception of the opportunities available within journalism. “Originally I thought journalists had two directions, print and television,” she said. “But now, coming out of that, I realize there is so much more to journalism than editors and anchors.”
Just as important were the relationships she developed with students from across the country. “That might’ve been my favorite part,” said Stepic. “It was so interesting to get to learn about everyone’s perspectives. I’m still in contact with some of the friends I made during that week.” Stepic said the experience strengthened her confidence in pursuing journalism and helped her become more comfortable speaking with others in professional settings.
Now an alumna of the program, Stepic is applying to serve on its Youth Advisory Board, where she hopes to help provide future participants with an equally positive experience. She also received the opportunity to nominate two current NRHS students for the conference: junior Madisan Winer and sophomore Autumn Dixon. Both students have been involved with North Royalton Broadcasting. Stepic selected Winer because of her experience in the newsroom, including her work as a switcher and graphic designer, as well as her involvement as vice president of Video Club and layout manager for The Royal News.
Stepic nominated Dixon after watching her develop her broadcasting skills and take on increasingly independent work. “She is truly such a hard-working girl, and I think she really has a place in the newsroom,” said Stepic. “She’s so charismatic and eloquent in a way that helps captivate people.”
For Stepic, nominating other students is an opportunity to pass along an experience that helped reaffirm her own aspirations. “As a student who was on the verge of deciding to pick a ‘safer’ path, I am so glad I was given this opportunity to help me regain my love for journalism,” she said. “I hope that spreading this opportunity can do this for others just as it did for me.”
Photo ID: Peyton Stepic is in the center. Taken at the Washington Journalism and Media Conference