Testing the Waters- Adventures in Journalism

"Select an assignment that articulates who you are as a writer or thinker"

This essay focuses largely on my career outlook and where I currently am on that spectrum, in terms of my college major (journalism), and how my interest and personality traits have lead me to this point. One of the major components of the assignment was an interview with somebody who currently works in journalism. This provided much insight into the challenges , rewards and possible prospects in the field.

Overall, it paints a vivid picture of who I am as a writer and thinker; as somebody who writes not just for the sake of it, but for all the expressive joys that it allows.

If time travel were possible and I could go back to have a chat with the younger version of myself, I know exactly what I would find: a sheltered, bookish and extremely glossophobic girl, navigating the peculiarities of her teen years and trying to find her place in the world. I also know exactly what she would say if I told her that in a few years, she would be studying journalism at university: ‘You must be out of your mind!’

Growing up, journalism as a career choice was far from my consideration. I was unlike most children who, with their newfound sense of curiosity, would rattle off about a different profession each time they were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. My ‘one true love’ (for want of a better phrase) was always aviation, and from an early age, I was adamant that it was the only venture I wanted to pursue. I can picture your raised eyebrows and puzzled expression, and I know at this point, you are probably asking: ‘So, what happened’? Even though I still have my eyes set on achieving my pilots’ licenses and someday taking to the skies, I have decided to explore another area that I think might hold some very hopeful prospects for me.

I always knew that writing was not just a strength of mine, but something that I genuinely enjoyed. This, coupled with my avid reading habits, meant that I found the idea of putting together a rhetorically persuasive essay for English to be more appealing than calculating the velocity of a speeding car, or figuring out why Paul had 2x+3 more apples than the rest of his friends. In my English classes, I became engrossed in the works of various literary geniuses: I floated on Shakespeare’s language, traversed the maze of Virginia Woolf’s mind and basked in the profundity of Langston Hughes’ words. I was engaging with their work not just as a writer, but as a thinker- and the intellectual challenge of reflecting on their ideas and formulating my own was truly satisfying.

It was during my 12th grade government class that I became more curious about current events and societal issues. Before each lesson, our professor would take a few minutes to discuss the news of the day and create a forum within which we could present our viewpoints. I recall always looking forward to these sessions; even though I was not always the most vocal, I enjoyed the challenge of thinking about the causes, repercussions and varying opinions surrounding each news item. I began reading more op-eds, researching big ideas and generally being more curious about the world around me. I felt like the one enlightened cave dweller in Plato’s Allegory of the Cave ,who escaped, saw the sunlight, and realized that there was more to life than the reflections on the cave wall; in my case, the bubble I had been living in.

With these different interests in mind, the looming question was: How could I use my penchant for writing and apply it directly to what was going on in the world? Even though my creative writing endeavours were enjoyable, I had always viewed them as more of a hobby than something I could see myself pursuing professionally. After much thought and some help from teachers and my parents, I began to consider communications and media as possible pursuits.

I soon discovered practical ways of putting my curiosity about journalistic work to the test. In high school, I assumed the roles of Yearbook Committee Head, as well as Assistant Editor for my high school’s Key Club. The time spent in each of these roles exposed me to the process of writing press releases, collecting and publishing content for monthly newsletters and even dabbling in my newfound love of photography. I found that I was happy in these ‘behind-the-scenes’ roles , and when I had time to sit on my own to work on these projects.

Even with all this insight into my own strengths, weaknesses and experiences, I was still very uncertain about what I wanted to study at university. Amidst a class of peers who had already gained acceptance to college and seemed to have their next few years clearly mapped out, I pined for some sense of direction. Two gap years of travel, work experience and college applications later, I found myself at Howard University majoring in journalism.

When I think about my future in journalism , I often wonder whether my personality is compatible with the requirements of the field. Labels can be limiting and no one person should be completely defined by a single category, but now is not the time for denying blatant truths; I am an unapologetic introvert. Small talk can be a pain, my mind is constantly reeling with deep thoughts, and I only speak when I’m absolutely certain that my contribution will be a worthwhile addition to any conversation. Though this is a major part of my personality, it isn’t the only part: it operates in tandem with analytic skills, intellectual curiousity and a tendency to always look beyond the surface during my observations. Jonathan Baker, a former head of the BBC’s College of Journalism, cites these as some of the essential characteristics of any aspiring journalist. Additionally, award-winning veteran journalist Hazel Edney states that one of the most important qualities of a journalist is that of empathy; that of being able to ‘comfort the afflicted’. My knack for silent but keen observation and noticing details that others miss makes empathy a natural tendency. I listen well, and when prompted to, I relate well.

Studying at Howard and in the nation’s capital means that I have access to a plethora of opportunities for fine-tuning my interests in the media and communications. From internships to involvement in campus publications such as The Hilltop, there are countless avenues through which I can sharpen my craft. The Howard University School of Communications prides itself on ensuring that students are well equipped for gaining internships and succeeding in them. I’ve heard many positive accounts of students who’ve gained valuable exposure interning with Time, Viacom, CBS, Discovery and other renowned media industries. In terms of academics, students are recquired to take major-specific courses such as Fundamentals of Journalism and Ethics in Communication , but they still remain well-rounded by taking general education requirements, electives and minor-based courses. This allows for specialisation in specific areas such as political science or philosophy , and is often what puts a good journalist ahead of somebody who doesn’t have complementary expertise. I have chosen print journalism as my concentration, and I am strongly considering combining this with a technology based minor such as computer science or web-design, in order to diversify my skillset. In an article titled “Becoming a Journalist in the Digital Age” on cubreporters.org, the importance of such a skillset is underscored: ‘Instead of thinking of themselves as only print journalists or broadcast journalists, they need to think of themselves as journalists, period. And they must be able to report the news in publication, online or in front of a microphone.’ Edney, who specializes in print media, also gained valuable experience as a broadcaster during her formative years. Therefore, a multi-faceted approach to the field is important.

Admittedly, I do still have my doubts about this major and career choice. I don’t look at my personality and see the traditional news reporter, frantically searching for the latest scoop and constantly scrambling to beat the competition to the scene. I am apprehensive about the frantic and almost cutthroat nature of the industry. When there is too much going on all at once, I become overwhelmed and overstimulated. I expressed this concern to Edney, and to my appreciation, I was met with a most encouraging response: “Some of the best reporters I know…they have similar personalities as you. They lay back, they’re quiet, but they’re thinking. That’s the key to being a great journalist- being able to think and exercise on those thoughts through questions and writing.” It is refreshing to know that I can turn these traits that I initially had reservations about into traits that distinguish me from the rest of the crowd.

There is also the possibilty of being stuck in an entry-level position for years with less than desirable pay and highly demanding work hours before I actually can pursue the kind of writing that I enjoy. However, I believe that as I gain field experience , network with more industry professionals and open my eyes to the realities of the job, I will be better able to decide whether I’m willing to make that kind of sacrifice.

I can hardly say that I have it all figured out. The colours on my canvas of life are only slowly beginning to come together; but if there’s one thing I’ve come to realize, it’s that there’s nothing wrong with that sense of uncertainty. Even if my future is not in journalism, I know that I won’t regret making the decision to build on my existing skills, improve myself as a person and earn a college degree in the process. During my time at Howard, I hope to remove all the limits that I may have placed on my abilities in the past, and embrace new parts of myself that I will discover along the way. So, that younger version of me that I mentioned? The one sitting in the corner of the room, head down in a book, drawn to solitude like a moth to a flame? I think she would be proud.

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Works Cited

Cubreporters.org. "Becoming a Journalist in the Digital Age." Journalism Advice,

cubreporters.org/journalism_careers.html. Accessed 19 Sept. 2017.

Edney, Hazel. Personal Interview. 25 Sept. 2017.

Rooney, Declan. "Students: stop dreaming of a job in journalism- and get to work

." The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 30 Dec. 2014,

www.theguardian.com/education/2014/dec/30/student-media-job-

journalism. Accessed 25 Sept. 2017