the Purpose of Journalism

-provide information

-assist in research

-spotlight key issues in current times

-an outlet for the First Amendment’s right to freedom of the press

-allowing free thought flow for writers, to an extent

-an outlet for public opinion

-freedom of speech

-detail daily happenings, like a journal for the readers, for the effect these happenings may have on the future

-provide conversation topics

-create a community forum

Personal Bio

Sarah Hairston has called the Bluff City home since birth, twenty years and six months ago. Currently, she occupies the majority of her time attending the University of Memphis as a recently declared Journalism major with her concentration in Public Relations. When she is not attending class, she works two part-time jobs, one of which includes planning activities and creating newsletters for independent residents in the largest long-term LifeCare community in Memphis. Her life path would hopefully include working in event planning or for a non-profit, but her spontaneous nature leads her to believe that wherever life takes her, it will be good.

Hairston’s highest education level is credited to merely completing three semesters on her Bachelor’s degree. However, she did graduate with honors and in the top 30% of the White Station Class of 2007. Her honors included National Honor Society, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, an International Honor Thespian, Thespian Advisory Board, lifetime membership in the Girl Scouts of America and Vice-President of Thespian Troupe 1581.

Since graduation, she has been keeping busy with several different activities. Her love of kids and theatre keep her volunteering with different childhood theatre programs. She also has performed with the Our Own Voice theatre troupe and is in training to become a Girl Scout troop leader. Until recently, she also taught a kindergarten choir class at a local church.

When not working, learning, or volunteering, Hairston enjoys relaxing at home in East Memphis. Her favorite activity is reading, but aside from that she also is partial to watching films, creative projects, and going to parks with friends.