If you’re reading this, you’re either interested in Catalyst and the story behind it or you’re a friend or family member that one of us (me, Clara, or Tessa) convinced to read it. Either way, what matters most is that you’re taking a few minutes out of your day to read our work, which we have written with thought and consideration, and hopefully, to stay informed.

 

           Anyway, to give you a little background on who I am: my name is Clara Stern and I am the founder and Editor-In-Chief of Catalyst. I’m currently a sophomore in high school and both American and French–two cultures that have shaped who I am. Outside of writing (of course), I love political science, soccer, and spending time with my family and friends.

 

           Now, if you haven’t read Catalyst’s mission statement, which you can find under “About” in the menu, then I’d recommend starting there. This is a bit more personal–a deep dive into how I got here, what got me interested in political science, and why I decided to create Catalyst in the first place.

 

           I’ve always been fascinated by current events. When I was younger, I would listen in on my parents' conversations with their friends regarding politics and our society. I would hear about so many different topics: laws to be voted on, important political figures like Barack Obama and Emmanuel Macron, and climate change. What might have seemed complicated or dull to others only made me curious about the world. Still, I didn’t consider political science or diplomacy as a possible career until last year’s Career Day, when I got to hear the French consuls describe the art of balancing cultural sensitivity with national priorities. A week-long internship at the Consulate soon after gave me a glimpse into how global challenges are managed in real time, which sparked my desire to learn how diplomacy actually works. To this day, I enjoy eavesdropping on adult discussions and even joining in from time to time.

 

           My multicultural identity also shapes my perspective and interests. In addition to being French-American, I am Jewish. While many view Judaism as a religion, I see it as a community–one that evokes a sense of family and unity. One that connects people through tradition, passed down from generation to generation–l’dor v’dor. I adore the moments spent with family and close ones, when stories and laughter bring us together during Shabbat dinners or the holidays. With what has been taking place recently in today’s world, Judaism also made me realize how urgently society needs peace, human dignity, and tikkun olam–repair of the world.

 

           Ultimately, my curiosity about political science has been influenced by the people, places, and experiences surrounding me. However, it is also important to mention that while it may seem that what is going on today–either regarding governmental institutions or in cities just like yours–doesn’t affect us, it really does. With time, you will realize these “little, unimportant things” really do.

 

           That is why I created Catalyst: to highlight the importance of staying informed on current events and to push back misinformation–not only for others, but for ourselves. According to an article by CNN, nearly 40% of young Americans (aged 18-29) get their news from social media, particularly TikTok. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few interesting and reliable sources on these platforms, but most of these people creating this content are influencers who have virtually no idea what they’re talking about.

 

           If you have made it this far, I’ll leave you with one question: “As you scroll through your social media feed, will you stop to question where your news is really coming from?” Because staying informed starts with asking the right questions.