'The Power of the Pen'
By Monica Bryant
Diversity Institute Fellow
08.26.02
I’ve come to the end of a journey, one that started three months ago.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that’s challenged me to grow.
For every roadblock I encountered, there you were to help me through.
So today I take this moment to express my thanks and gratitude.
Yvette, how can I describe you? Wonder woman just comes to mind.
You’ve been the glue that’s held us together; you’re truly one of a kind.
Ray, one very special quality I’ve learned from watching you
Is the importance of being passionate about the career we choose to do.
Robbie you were an anchor when doubt prevented me from spreading my wings.
Today I’m leaving the Freedom Forum believing through Christ I can do all things.
To Wanda I can only say thank you, although you need no more accolades.
May this day be a small reward for all the sacrifices you have made.
To the fellows who sit before me, all of whom have become my friends,
As we begin our careers as journalists, remember the Power of the Pen.
As I look back over our time spent at the Diversity Institute,
A few things come to mind that journalists should and should not do.
As journalists we already know the power of the written word.
Good reporting is based on facts, not just relying on things we’ve heard.
We’re not writing just to sell newspapers but to tell stories that go untold.
We shed light on bigger issues; uncovering the truth is like finding gold.
What we write can impact lives, destroy relationships that took years to build.
Some will mend with time, but others will never heal.
Our stories can never reflect our opinions; objective we must remain.
We should never compromise our integrity or use our position for personal gain.
We must cultivate our sources, to them our loyalty remains.
But we serve the reader, not the source; sometimes we need to use their name.
Remember: A pen has no eraser; it’s our reputation that’s always at stake.
Under the pressure of daily deadlines it’s very easy to make mistakes.
Plagiarism is an enemy that ends careers before they start.
Give attribution where it’s needed; take credit only for your part.
Don't be in it for the money, because what you’ll make will change your mind.
A reason other than curiosity, let me assure you, is a waste of time.
Our success will never be measured by a Pulitzer Prize that we may write,
But instead by our ability to lay our head down and sleep at night.
As we graduate today a new chapter starts, but another ends.
No matter what you do remember the Power of the Pen.
I speak for all the fellows: You’ve prepared us well for this great task.
It’s been an honor and a privilege to be part of the first Inaugural Class.
Aug. 23, 2002