Writing my op-ed was a challenging yet rewarding experience. I began by gathering information on the impact of social media on teenagers, exploring various studies and articles, including one by Kathy Katella from Yale Medicine. This research provided valuable insights into the mental health implications of social media use. Understanding both the positive and negative aspects was crucial for developing a balanced perspective. Once I had a solid foundation of research, I organized my thoughts into clear sections: academics, relationships, and overall life experiences. Each section was designed to highlight both the benefits and drawbacks of social media, ensuring a comprehensive view. My goal was to present a nuanced argument that acknowledged the complexity of social media’s role in teenagers’ lives. Writing the first draft was a significant step in the process. I focused on articulating my thoughts clearly and persuasively, incorporating personal reflections and observations to make the piece relatable to readers. However, maintaining a balance between factual information and emotional appeal proved to be a challenge. After completing the draft, I revisited my work to refine my arguments and improve clarity. Seeking feedback from peers and my instructor helped me identify areas for improvement, and the revision process was crucial in enhancing the overall quality of the op-ed. Once I was satisfied with the content, I focused on formatting and ensuring proper citations. I included a works cited section to give credit to the sources that informed my writing. The final step was proofreading to eliminate any grammatical errors and ensure a polished presentation. Challenges in creating a Multimodal Piece: Creating a multimodal piece alongside my op-ed was particularly challenging for several reasons. First, I had to think about how to effectively combine text with visual elements, such as images or infographics. Ensuring that each mode complemented the other without overwhelming the reader was a delicate balance. Additionally, I faced a learning curve in using software and tools to create visual content. This required extra time and effort to familiarize myself with design principles and multimedia editing. Maintaining cohesion between the written content and the multimodal elements was essential, as I needed to ensure that each component aligned with the overall message of the op-ed. Time management also became a significant factor. Balancing the writing of the op-ed with the creation of the multimodal piece was time-consuming, and I had to allocate my time wisely to meet deadlines for both components. Gathering feedback on the multimodal aspect was crucial, but it added to the complexity of the revision process. I had to be open to making changes based on feedback, which sometimes meant rethinking my initial ideas. In conclusion, the process of writing my op-ed and creating a multimodal piece was a significant learning experience. It challenged me to think critically about the topic and develop my skills in both writing and multimedia presentation.