When I decided to become a journalist, I had no idea how profoundly this profession would change my life. At the time, I understood journalism simply as the work of finding the truth and bringing it to the public. But as the years passed, I came to understand that being a journalist is about much more than writing the news. It also means learning to live with the grief, fear and hope contained in the stories we witness.

I was 19 years old. If someone had asked me what frightened me most in life, I would have said death. Yet on the night of October 21, 2021, I tried to end my own life.

“Can I keep doing this work?” I have asked myself that question more times than I can count. When I first entered journalism as a young person, I was full of energy, conviction, and dreams. I believed journalism was a way to uncover the truth and to make sure people’s voices were heard. Four years later, I began to realize that somewhere along the way, I was slowly losing parts of myself. When I was 19, I never imagined that the career I chose would become both my livelihood

By Justino This story is one of five selected pieces by Exile Hub fellows, sharing their personal experiences and reflections through storytelling. The views and experiences expressed in this piece belong to the author This story is one of five selected pieces by Exile Hub fellows, sharing their personal experiences and reflections through storytelling. The views and experiences expressed in this piece belong to the authorEver since I was around ten years old—old enough to be