Jade Childs

THE FIRST AMENDMENT

The First Amendment is a part of the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, it
protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and
right to petition. The First Amendment's protection of speech and expression is a crucial part of
the American political system. There is a direct link between freedom of speech and a thriving
democracy. Rather than having the government establish and dictate the truth, freedom of speech
enables the truth to emerge from an array of opinions. Freedom of speech is essential to the
American system of checks and balances.

As I pursue a career in Public Relations and Marketing, I understand the importance of

the First Amendment and the protection that it gives me. Publicists are tasked with the
responsibility of connecting with various audiences through print and digital media outlets. If I
were stripped of my First Amendment right, I’d be limited to the content I could create, and my
growth potential within my industry would be limited. Therefore, the protection the First
Amendment gives me is essential for me to succeed.

I exercise my First Amendment rights regularly, by sharing my views on social media,

and a variety of blogs. Also, as an anchor for my school’s news organization, Aggie News &
Views, I’m tasked with finding local stories, researching the material, and presenting the material
to the public. I'm appreciative of my First Amendment Right. There are many countries where
freedom of speech and expression aren’t protected by law. People are imprisoned and executed
regularly for a right that so many of us take for granted in the U.S. I hope that the United States
government to continue to uphold the integrity of this right because it’s a crucial component in
our upward mobility as a nation.