The following is a piece from student content creator Abigail Young about the importance of creating content with purpose. She outlines a simple but powerful framework—start with why, define how, and finish with what—to help student creators stay grounded and intentional in their work. Her approach is a valuable reminder that all content should be purposeful, and that knowing your why is the first step in creating high-quality, meaningful content for your school.
Start with WHY
Starting with why is all about leading with purpose, not just chasing outcomes. When you begin with why—your core reason for doing what you do—everything else falls into place. Products, programs, and metrics are tools, but they shouldn’t drive the mission. Without a clear purpose, results can feel empty, and measuring success gets messy. Gear, gadgets, or goals mean little without direction. But when your purpose is solid, it becomes your compass—cutting through confusion, silencing distractions, and making obstacles feel irrelevant. Purpose first. Always.
Define the HOW
Define your how by turning values into action. “Be creative” is vague—“Seek novelty with relevance” is a standard. Your how is the set of principles that guide your voice, shape your choices, and keep your content aligned with your purpose. It’s what makes your process consistent, your message clear, and your work unmistakably yours. Like a compass, your how keeps you oriented— pointing you in the right direction, even when distractions pull you off course.
Editor’s Note:
This piece is a blog written by Abigail Young, a student content creator from a public high school in Nebraska. At Class Intercom, we’re passionate about empowering student content creators to learn new skills and evolve existing ones. That includes formal instruction in the classroom, learning by doing, and experimenting with tools and ideas. The next step is sharing that knowledge with others. The Insights from Student Content Creators series allows students to share their knowledge and experiences with a global audience.
Finish with WHAT
Finish with what by letting your results speak for your purpose. Your what is the output—products, services, stories—that show your why and how in motion. It’s not the compass; it’s the trail it leaves behind. Gear, graphics or goals mean little without direction. But when your what flows from a clear why and a consistent how, it resonates. It becomes recognizable, repeatable, and real. Don’t let what you do lead—let it reveal.
Bring Your Purpose to Completion
When you start with why, move through how, and finish with what, you create a path grounded in purpose, guided by principles, and marked by results. This approach ensures clarity, alignment, and a lasting impact.
Connect With Your Community
Reach out to your community by creating purposeful projects that start with why. Highlight local stories— whether from school clubs, activities, or individuals— through content crafted with passion, creativity, and a clear purpose. By sharing these stories, you amplify voices and create lasting connections. Let your work inspire, engage, and make a meaningful impact. Purpose-driven stories don’t just get heard—they leave a legacy.
Abigail’s piece has been adapted here as a blog for easy reading. You can also download her original designed version below.
About the Author
Abigail Young
Abigail is a senior at Nebraska Christian Schools in Central City, Nebraska, where she took a digital media course that sparked her interest in creating content and storytelling. She was recently granted an opportunity to create a series of highlight videos for her local chamber of commerce that deepened her appreciation for the community. In the fall, Abigail will attend Wayne State College to pursue a degree in Business Marketing. She also plans to minor in Digital Film Produciton.
This story is part of a series called Insights from Student Content Creators. If you know a student, educator, or community member with a skill or story to share about the power of content and storytelling, send them our way! Amplifying student voices and sharing authentic stories is at the core of who we are. Drop us a line and let’s get in touch.
