BRONX, NY – One Truman High School junior is giving voice to environmental justice issues – while at the same time exploring his interest in a journalism career. It’s all thanks to a program called “CLARIFY,” which is an acronym for “City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth.”
Jeshua Guerrero Lopez applied for and was accepted to the paid internship program, which is being held mostly online. He has teamed up with other interns to begin working on stories related to environmental justice issues in the Bronx.
“It’s been pretty fun so far. the activities have been really interesting,” Guerrero said. “It really opened my eyes.”
Guerrero is a student in the Truman Media Program, which also includes units of study on journalism.
“High school internships are great,” said Mr. David Roush, the instructor of the Media Program. “But being able to land a paid internship in high school is almost unheard of. I’m so happy he’s getting this experience.”
Guerrero teams up with other interns in the program. They’ve already done a story about oyster repopulation efforts around City Island.
“Moving forward, I’m definitely looking forward to our next project which is about bodegas and how they can’t use plastic bags anymore,” according to Guerrero. “Many bodegas in New York are still using them, even against that bill. It will definitely be an interesting story.”
Guerrero is one of only fourteen students selected for the program. His work will be published on the City Limits website.
“I used to believe journalism was just straightforward – your thoughts and opinions go on a paper. The first weeks of this internship have helped me understand what true journalism is, and how much work goes into it,” Guerrero added.
