diff --git a/api/main.py b/api/main.py
index 7f09c47..287b2c1 100644
--- a/api/main.py
+++ b/api/main.py
@@ -11,7 +11,12 @@
 # 1. Configure logging with basicConfig()
 # 2. Set level to logging.INFO
 # 3. Add console handler
+logging.basicConfig(
+    level=logging.INFO,
+    handlers=[logging.StreamHandler()]) 
+
 # 4. Test by adding a log message when the app starts
+logging.info("Application starting up")
 
 app = FastAPI(title="LearningSteps API", description="A simple learning journal API for tracking daily work, struggles, and intentions")
 app.include_router(journal_router)
\ No newline at end of file