peers. After his sudden death, his parents and community worked to carry out his plans forhis students. After hearing of Hostler’s purpose, I jumped on the opportunity to share his legacy by reporting a broadcast feature for my high school’s HTV Magazine program. After recording the ceremony, I spoke with Hostler’s parents for an interview for my segment. Hostler’s father told me about the man his son was and one of the last texts they exchanged. He read to me his son’s message while tears roll down his cheek.

     “I have come to realize that the work I do, regardless how big or little the task might be, is making a difference in the students’ lives,” he said.  

     Nick Hostler realized that what he put into life, he received back in reward. After seeing the impact Hostler had on his community and those around him, I realized the work I put into sharing his story would reward more than myself and more so the community surrounding me. By sharing the information of the new playground, I could see that the students impacted would benefit from hearing my information, as well as those who loved Nick Hostler. The work and reward was an indescribable feeling I remember vividly today. A few months after the experience, my work received second in the nation through the National Student Press Association. In that moment, I knew I wanted to tell people’s stories and watch the impact unfold onto their communities, as I did the disabled community in Springfield, Missouri. I decided going into college I wanted to study journalism and take the path of reporting to get out of life what I put in, just as Nick Hostler had, in his life cut short, but well lived.