Truth seekers. Truth speakers. Truth defenders.
Noelle Lauren Medina thinks that journalists have the power to create change by delivering life-changing stories for the people.
He serves as the current Editor-in-Chief of The Journal, the official student publication of Jose Rizal University.
To get to know him better, Republicasia asked Noelle a few questions about his journey as a student journalist fighting for press freedom in the country.
Behind the Persona
Tell me about yourself as a student journalist and your life outside of publication.
I describe myself as an empathic, creative, and responsible leader who is driven on creating a safe and educational space for my fellow journalists and the students we serve. As the Editor-in-Chief, I am responsible for producing journalistic content for our students by managing our publication’s editors and creatives. Along with our advocacy to promote and uphold the freedom and rights of our students and the people they coexist with in society, we ensure our Rizalians would earn a sense of responsibility through the information we provide. As an openly gay student leader and journalist, it has been a challenge to lead through the discrimination and prejudice of those who doubt my leadership and skills. I have used this experience to fuel my passion to educate on being responsible, inclusive, and kind contributors to society.
Defining Moment
Tell me about that ‘defining moment’ that made you pursue journalism and continue to do so.
While the bloody war on drugs was coming to its peak, I wrote and directed a production titled “Si Kuya” which was a play about two siblings and how they grieved their brother’s loss after he was killed during a drug raid. This production was thereafter banned by my former university due to how “controversial” it was. This has left me angered, frustrated, and proud at the same time. I saw how people were willing to turn a blind eye and aid oppressors by censoring those who wish to criticize them. I consider this moment my defining moment as I began advocating for Human Rights. This experience has helped in establishing my foundation as a student journalist; to be empathic and responsible, and to recognize my role in society and my privileges.
Generation Voice
What do you think is the most pressing issue that affects press freedom in the country nowadays? What do you think are the significant roles of young journalists in advancing genuine national press freedom?
The most pressing issue that affects press freedom is censorship and misinformation. As journalists, we are harbingers of truth and a threat to corruption evident in private institutions and the government. Censorship is seen in student publications to international media groups whose editors are bribed, silenced, or killed. At the same time, misinformation is a ready-made meal served with a fast food service pace. As student journalists, we are vital in sustaining press freedom and creating an environment where we can foster militant and intelligent consumers of media. As the namesake of my university says; “Ang kabataan ang pagasa ng bayan”, student journalists are responsible to create and educate students in an environment where they are still malleable.
Powerful Quote
Tell me about your mantra as a journalist. What message can you give to the aspiring journalist of the new generation?
“Love with your words, talk with your mind, and write with your heart.” I always believed that student journalists have a platform to create change. This platform gives us the privilege of an audience but the vulnerability to be at risk to those who wish to oppose and constrict us. With those in mind, we must speak with empathy, kindness, and with love– so we speak to our audience with our heart. Lastly, we pour our heart into what we write; we show our passions, our advocacies, and our beliefs in creating inspiring, thought-provoking, and moving pieces.
