On March 27, 2025, at 9:10 AM, I left with the Newspaper Club to visit The New York Times. Students from freshman to seniors were in attendance, all eager to explore one of the most influential news organizations in the world. I was immediately struck by the gleaming floors and the surprisingly quiet lobby. It felt almost unreal—so clean and calm, especially for New York City.
Our tour guide, Terry Parris Jr., arrived just minutes after we did. He gave us a quick rundown of the security process, and once we passed through, we waited off to the side, buzzing with anticipation.
When we entered the conference room, I was taken aback by its sheer professionalism. The furniture was meticulously arranged so everyone had a seat. The soundproofing made the outside world feel distant, and every word spoken inside was crystal clear. Terry began explaining the inner workings of The New York Times. He described how responsibilities are divided—rather than having one person juggle multiple roles, each task is handled by a specialist. It was like a spider web, each thread supporting the others to create fast, reliable journalism. That’s when it hit me: journalism is far more complex than I had imagined.
Soon, two other journalists joined us: Beena Raghav, a senior staff editor, and Michael Kimmelman, a writer who specializes in architecture. They emphasized the importance of collaboration in their work and how constant planning is essential to producing timely, accurate news. What stood out most was how they structured the conversation—not as a lecture, but as a dialogue. They left space for us to think, guiding the discussion naturally from one topic to the next.
We had the opportunity to ask questions. One student asked, “Do you think The New York Times is the best news source?” Terry responded with a neutral stance, explaining that every news outlet has its own strengths and weaknesses. His answer and all the other things he taught us that day, deepened my appreciation for the complexity and humility within journalism.
During the tour, we saw the work area, a wall filled with journalism awards, and a small museum. The museum stood out the most. Behind a glass panel was an unfinished article about the 2016 election, which had predicted a Clinton victory. It was never published because the outcome was different. Terry explained that the article was displayed to show that journalists don’t know everything—they prepare for all possibilities. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation in journalism.
Before this trip, I thought journalism was nothing to be proud of—just writing down what you see. But I’ve come to realize it’s so much more. It involves strategy, integrity, and adaptability. If you ever get the chance, I encourage you to look deeper into journalism. There’s far more beneath the surface than I can describe here. This experience has completely changed how I view journalism and the dedication of those who pursue it.
