Benefits of Journaling

An illustration of a personal journal used for creative output.

There is an unspoken stigma around writing in a diary. The perception stems from the idea that teenage girls and young kids write about their vulnerability immaturely in an unorganized, messy book. As a result of this stereotype, many are hesitant to use a diary and are left with no way to express their emotions and reflect. As we grow older, our emotions are always changing and worsening. We are only gaining more stress as we get older and without an external release of our struggles, our minds become very clouded.

However, as the importance of mental health has progressed, so has the perception of keeping a journal. The past use of a diary has returned and reformed itself. Now, journaling isn’t limited to just writing about personal feelings but can be used for so much more. Depending on what you enjoy, there are so many different options to your preferences. Depending on whether you want to write, draw or scrapbook, there are unlimited ways to be creative in your journal. Here are a couple ideas!

Bullet Journaling

Bullet journaling is a form of journaling that includes customizing organization system used for planning. Hailey Irvan (’25) discovered bullet journaling through TikTok describing the benefits of the hobby.

“I enjoy bullet journaling so I can track the highs and lows of my day with cute colors and designs,” said Irvan.

Reflective Journaling

Reflective journaling is writing about events and how they affected the user. Whether positive or negative, this form of reflection can help deepen self-connection and build self-awareness.

“I journal about things surrounding my day or just thoughts and frustrations,” said MacKynzie Mciean (’24). As a senior, she uses reflective journaling to organize her thoughts and stay more in touch with herself.

Scrapbook Journaling

Scrapbook journaling is a way of self-expression through creativity. This is used to document memories while adding individuality through it. Not only do you have a physical object with all your sacred experiments, but the act of scrapbooking can also be a fun and relaxing process.

“I also just like drawing in general so it lets me combine both the journaling and incorporate a more creative approach,” said Paige Brigman (’26).

If you don’t know what type of journal to start or what to write about, I recommend looking on social media platforms. The rise of popularity in journaling has grown exceptionally and that is where many have felt inspired to join. The process of journaling is a great tool for self- reflection and expressing things you can’t figure out easily.

Many people that are too scared to start argue that they aren’t creative or a good writer, but journaling isn’t all done the same way. What I love about the hobby is that there are so many different types of journaling and there isn’t a right way. Remember journaling isn’t about the outcome but the process. Now go out and buy yourself a journal!

About the Contributors

Sophie Le, Staff Writer

Sophie Le is a sophomore at Robinson, and a Staff Writer for Knight Writers. This is her first year on staff. Le joined journalism because she wanted to gain more writing experience. "I wanted to practice writing more, and I feel like this is a great opportunity to practice every week and write stories about things I like,” she said. Her goals for this year include many things involving social media and photography. "I wanted to practice writing and explore other areas of journalism." Le said. When not in class, Le is the Vice President of Congre, Social Media Manager of Knightmare and the secretary of Book Club. She chose these clubs because she wanted to be an active part of the school through the things she enjoys. "I chose French when I went to IB, book club because I love to read, I love seeing different genres and different books, and then Knightmare because I love school spirit and going to football games,” she said. Outside of school, Le's favorite extracurriculars are playing tennis, either on Robinson's varsity girl's team or on her club team, helping sew at her grandmother's alteration shop, along with shopping and thrifting. These help her calm down when stressed with her busy schedule, she explains how she enjoys making outfits. "I love shopping and thrifting, because it's my favorite hobby. It's so fun, I love putting together outfits." Le said. Le says she would like to continue in journalism throughout high school, with hopes of writing about current fashion. "I would love to write about fashion; I think definitely in the future that could be an interest." Le said. (Profile by Ryan Rolle)

Janiece Mitchner, Senior Staff Writer

Janiece Mitchner is a junior at Robinson and a senior staff writer for Knight Writers. This is her second year on staff. While Mitchner was placed in journalism by chance, she has enjoyed the last year making drawings for the newspaper. "Since I suck at writing, I draw for the newspaper," Mitchner said. Mitchner has been drawing for five years and hopes to earn the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) Artist of the Year award in the future. "I usually draw characters, superheroes, anime characters and generally whatever looks interesting to me. It calms me when I draw and listen to music," Mitchner said. Besides art, Mitchner enjoys relaxing, volunteering for Girl Scouts and listening to music; particularly, her all-time favorite artist is Justin Bieber. The rest of Mitchner's time not designated towards art, school and music is put towards working at Qdoba, where she tends to work 20 hours a week. Mitchner has had to move multiple times due to her dad's military obligations. She has been living in Tampa for the last two years but does miss her last home in North Dakota. "Moving to Tampa has been kind of hard for me," Mitchner admitted. "I definitely miss having some snow, I'd rather be cold than hot." Besides North Dakota, Mitchner has also lived in Texas at two different times. Despite the numerous moves, Mitchner has stayed close with her family, including her younger brother and sister. Janiece, however, draws her ultimate inspiration from her mother. "She is my role model and is always able to balance all my siblings' requests. She's also very good at managing her time," Mitchner said. Mitchner is looking forward to graduating next year and plans to continue doing art actively as well as go on the culinary trip to Japan. "I hope that by the end of high school, my artwork will be in an art portfolio for college," Mitchner said. Profile by (Anika Sanka)

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Benefits of Journaling

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