Hi. I’m Maria.

This is my first blog post for backpack journalism, two days late. I’m sorry (Carol), but I wasn’t born on time either and I’ve been cursed ever since.

But to be honest, I didn’t know what I wanted to write about. The writing prompt was to talk about myself and why I chose to participate in this adventure. Easy, right?

Wrong.

Over the past year, I have learned so much in my courses at Creighton, particularly this past semester. The course that has made the most impact is my International Mass Communications class (Thanks, Carol). I was told at the beginning of the semester that this class had changed students lives. I didn’t expect it to change mine. I suppose this class was a main reason that I signed up for this trip.

I realized that I was taking my freedom of speech for granted. I am lucky to live in a country where it is deemed a fundamental right. Others aren’t as lucky to have such a privilege. This class helped me realize that I need to be using my voice for those who don’t have one.