I’ve become less naïve since then, but I was taken by the concept of writing and reporting. Being a journalist means there’s always a venue reserved for you to communicate to other people.

That night while writing my first column, I’ll never forget how the words just seemed to appear and fall in place.

Since then I’ve dealt with growing pains, like writer’s block and AP style writing. I’ve been praised for my articulation and criticized for unclear wording. But the reason I do it has always been in hope of changing someone or something for the better.

In college I decided to major in broadcast journalism. For my first reporter assignment I interviewed a homeless couple in College Park who had didn't have health insurance and had been denied healthcare.

But for some reason, while I was standing there with my microphone conducting interviews, I doubted the impact my story would have. Throughout middle school and high school I wrote stories, but nothing spectacular had come of them. This story was moving to me, but not new. Homeless people always have a struggle or a story to tell a reporter.

I felt like I might be blowing my hopes out of proportion.

However, I saw the results of my story the same day.

Maryland Sen. John Giannetti was in College Park that day and spoke to me on camera about homelessness in the community.  For the next hour, Giannetti sifted through their situation. The voiceless had the opportunity to have their voices heard. All of a sudden, there was no red tape. Phone calls were made to the proper people, and the couple was guaranteed medicine and healthcare attention.

I still have moments where I second-guess my role as a reporter. But, I learned that I when I doubt myself I lessen my potential. I can’t let my own skepticism or criticism from others negate my ability to have an impact on someone eles’s life. I believe those who will be influenced by my reporting (and already have) will agree.