Ursuline nurtured my Catholic journalist’s values

by Mya Falgout

By Mya Falgout
Guest column

Attending Catholic school as a child did not mean much to me, except that I was able to have a late start to class every Friday when we attended weekly Mass. It was not until I started high school at Ursuline Academy in eighth grade that I realized what Catholic education meant to me.

At Ursuline, I was surrounded by teachers who instilled “Serviam” – which is Latin for “I will serve,” – into our classrooms.

Having this mindset to serve others and take action inspired me to study multimedia journalism when I first attended college. This was appealing so that I could take my influence and inform others with relevant, unbiased news and be a voice for those who may not have one.

This journey began at Spring Hill College, where I have since earned multiple journalism awards.

Located in Mobile, Alabama, Spring Hill is a private, Jesuit college that inspires students to become the best version of themselves with faith, justice and service. The Jesuit tradition “cura personalis,” is within every aspect of campus life, allowing students to care for their spiritual, social and intellectual growth.

As a journalism student, striving to stick out in the world of oversaturated and distasteful media, I often find myself reflecting on what Catholic education has done for me. Having the privilege to be influenced by Jesuit and Ursuline values has completely transformed my everyday assignments into personal, insightful pieces that I put my heart into.

Whether it is writing stories for Alabama’s oldest collegiate newspaper, The SpringHillian, or working on breaking news pieces for various internships, the principles of Catholic journalism are at the forefront of my work. This consistent mindset has led me to be honored for my college journalism.

Most recently, I was awarded first place in the collegiate “Journalist of the Year” category by the Catholic Media Association in its 2024 St. Juan Diego Awards. I am the first Spring Hill College student to receive this award and was selected based on various news packages I created during my third semester at Spring Hill.

The Catholic Journalist 2024 Awards Issue states: “Mya Falgout’s well-crafted videos cover a range of topics, from a racial slur on a campus building to a student’s car break-in and the growing popularity of pickleball. They provide comprehensive coverage, addressing administration and student perspectives, historical context, current aspects and future goals.”

After realizing one of my communications professors nominated me for this award, I was genuinely so excited that I was being recognized not only for the hard work I have been putting in throughout the school year but also during the summer with my internship at FOX 8 WVUE-TV in New Orleans.

I am so proud to be able to say that as a Catholic woman, I am making a difference in the world of journalism and hope that I can inspire other students to do the same within their own aspirations.

Whether you are about to start high school or you just have a genuine desire to learn and feed your curiosity, do it with passion and let your beliefs guide you. Although my journey as a Catholic student will be coming to an end next May, I know that everyone I have met and learned from throughout the years will inspire me, and a piece of that will be reflected in all my work to come.

Mya Falgout is 20 years old and from Kenner. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in 2022 and will graduate a year early from Spring Hill College in 2025. She is a multimedia journalism major with a minor in media and performing arts.