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911������ student, Sean Scholz, recently was selected among college student panelists across the country to contribute to a column on NOTUS.org, which reports on the news of the United States. Scholz, managing editor for the college’s online magazine, Velocity, provided insights as the only representative from a community college alongside 21 other students and recent graduates from institutions, including Harvard College, University of Maryland, University of Oklahoma, University of Pennsylvania and more.

Scholz, who plans to graduate this May, has been managing editor for Velocity since January. Prior, he served as political editor and editor of the publication. Scholz learned of the opportunity to contribute to NOTUS from Lisa Couch, communications and journalism instructor at Moraine Valley and faculty advisor to Velocity.

The article, part of NOTUS’s Perspectives forum, is titled, “What Washington doesn’t get about young Americans — according to 22 college students and recent grads.” College-age students shared their insights regarding the political landscape, government trends, the country’s trajectory and more. Scholz’s piece hinged on the indifference of young people toward identity politics. On seeing his opinion published, Scholz shared, “In the end it was very validating.”

Additionally, Scholz was selected to be a panelist for a live, webinar-style forum that was hosted by NOTUS on April 15.

Scholz was drawn to journalism beginning in the eighth grade. However, he shared that he struggled in high school with depression, especially during the pandemic. “Coming to Moraine kind of changed my entire life around,” he explained. “The political science classes at Moraine are kind of the reason why I got so invested in education again because that was something I was really interested in.” Scholz found that his interest in political science went hand-in-hand with journalism.

He also shared that quality journalism is important on a college campus and beyond. “There’s also been a perception with AI that writers are replaceable. And so, learning – getting hands-on experience in actually writing and researching – is important,” he said. “Sure, AI could pump out something very formulaic and basic, but the real interesting stuff that makes you feel something, where people put their time, energy, their emotions into it – that’s going to come from a group, a room full of 18 students.”

Following graduation, Scholz plans to continue his education with the aim of becoming a political journalist. Scholz explained, “I think it’s something that would be very fulfilling and make me feel like I’m contributing positively to the world – make me feel better about my time on this Earth.”

Members of the public can watch Scholz and five other panelists discuss “What Washington Doesn’t Get About Young Americans” on YouTube at . To learn more about Velocity student magazine and read the latest headlines, visit .