Damaris Mañay describes how bilingual journalism helped her find her voice
Damaris Mañay, a junior at Brooklyn Emerging Leaders Academy, says journalism allowed her to write in Spanish and English and see her culture and language as strengths. She asks for support for bilingual student journalists.
Good afternoon to everyone.
My name is Damaris Mañay, and I'm a student at Brooklyn Emerging Leaders Academy.
I also know as Bella.
I'm a junior and a part of my school's journalism program.
At Bella, journalism gives students space to share stories, ask questions, and talk about things that matter to our community.
One of the things that has made journalism meaningful to me is being able to write in both Spanish and English.
My parents have always encouraged me to learn English because they know how important it is for my future, school, and everyday life.
As I learned English, I sometimes felt like I had to choose between using English and holding on to Spanish.
Journalism helped me see things differently.
I realized that I do not have to choose one language.
I can use both.
I can write in English and communicate with a wider audience, but I can also write in Spanish and connect with people who share my language and culture.
Being bilingual is celebrated in journalism.
It means a lot to me.
My language are part of my identity.
Journalism has helped me become more confident in my own voice.
I'm not just learning how to write.
I am learning that my experience, my culture, my language, and my perspective are worth sharing.
For me, journalism is not only about reporting stories.
It is also about making people feel, seen, and heard.
Being able to use both of my language reminds me that I do not have to leave one part of myself behind to find my voice.
Counsel, I'm here for any questions that you might have for her.
No tengo preguntas.
Tus palabras fueron bonitas.
They're beautiful.
En inglés o español.
Es claro que este programa es importante por tu...
Aprendiendo inglés.
And I'm...
Estoy emocionado que está aquí a hablar.
Y también la gente del Departamento de Educación está aquí también.
Entonces, ¿sabe cómo importante es este programa?
Yes.
Okay.
Did I say it right?
Okay, muy...
Well, we say perfecto.
But thank you.
Thank you for that.
Okay.
Thank you.