Aspirations of Journalism
By Queen Kenya
The industry of Journalism and Communications are mostly desired by those who are passionate about it. Over the years this industry has evolved as many do, but with the influx of technology, it has really shifted into a higher gear. Most think of the journalism career as an art or novelty. I won't say that I agree totally, but I am an Author and Artist. Writing is my passion, and it has always been since I was a kid. I have always dreamed of writing the articles people read in the newspaper. Then that turned into writing the articles people read in magazines, to becoming editor and chief of a magazine. The list goes on and on. As an aspiring journalist, I would encourage you to evaluate your true purpose and goals within the industry. Do you want to investigate? Do you want to report? Do you want to write? Do you want to be the voice that the public hears? Are you willing to give the audience what they want and need? What I have learned on my journey to a BA degree in Journalism/Communications is that it truly requires strategic, resourced, academic preparation and production. It can be tedious at times to meet deadlines, put pieces of the puzzles together, interview persons of interest, formulate a great story layout, etc. You have to know that you work for the people primarily. Branding yourself from the beginning may very well be to your advantage. Don't be afraid to connect and showcase your work on social media sites. Start a portfolio, blog, and get social media accounts like Twitter to gain a following.
The bottom line is YOU must be willing, capable, determined and focused to make it all happen. Having an understanding of what the media encompasses puts you ahead of the game. I learned a few things about myself in this journey. One, I don't like academic writing! I am capable of doing it, and I even brushed up on my skills and learned some things to help me along the way. Nevertheless, I don't like it. Two, I love creative writing! Learning specifics about yourself can stir you in the right direction in this field. Three, I don't have to be in front of the camera to make myself known. My voice is strong in my writings; however, I realize I must always stick to the ethics. That means writing the facts, truth, and remain unbiased at all times. I am glad I decided to fulfill my quest for this degree. I feel it taught me the essentials of writing and communications. Now I can pursue my love of creative writing as I continue my education seeking a Master's in Creative Writing/TV Film. I have enough knowledge to start work in the field and by the end of my Master's I will have gained more to veer off in that arena. My goals never changed because I always knew what I wanted to do. I just didn't know the specifics of the industry, and now I have a better understanding. I am so proud of this accomplishment that I have achieved!
To the aspiring journalist, I say if writing makes you happy and satisfies you, pursue it at all costs. Just know that it may not be all glitter and glam. Also, prepare to write tons of long papers in school. Prepare to learn APA style and use it productively. Those are the things I did not like about school, yet it has made me a better journalist in training. As I prepare to take on the world, I say to you never give up, never give in, and always achieve the goal you set. Become the journalist you actually aspire to be, no matter what the people say. Know that you are the one who writes your story of life and only you can change the course. Good Luck!
By Queen Kenya
The industry of Journalism and Communications are mostly desired by those who are passionate about it. Over the years this industry has evolved as many do, but with the influx of technology, it has really shifted into a higher gear. Most think of the journalism career as an art or novelty. I won't say that I agree totally, but I am an Author and Artist. Writing is my passion, and it has always been since I was a kid. I have always dreamed of writing the articles people read in the newspaper. Then that turned into writing the articles people read in magazines, to becoming editor and chief of a magazine. The list goes on and on. As an aspiring journalist, I would encourage you to evaluate your true purpose and goals within the industry. Do you want to investigate? Do you want to report? Do you want to write? Do you want to be the voice that the public hears? Are you willing to give the audience what they want and need? What I have learned on my journey to a BA degree in Journalism/Communications is that it truly requires strategic, resourced, academic preparation and production. It can be tedious at times to meet deadlines, put pieces of the puzzles together, interview persons of interest, formulate a great story layout, etc. You have to know that you work for the people primarily. Branding yourself from the beginning may very well be to your advantage. Don't be afraid to connect and showcase your work on social media sites. Start a portfolio, blog, and get social media accounts like Twitter to gain a following.
The bottom line is YOU must be willing, capable, determined and focused to make it all happen. Having an understanding of what the media encompasses puts you ahead of the game. I learned a few things about myself in this journey. One, I don't like academic writing! I am capable of doing it, and I even brushed up on my skills and learned some things to help me along the way. Nevertheless, I don't like it. Two, I love creative writing! Learning specifics about yourself can stir you in the right direction in this field. Three, I don't have to be in front of the camera to make myself known. My voice is strong in my writings; however, I realize I must always stick to the ethics. That means writing the facts, truth, and remain unbiased at all times. I am glad I decided to fulfill my quest for this degree. I feel it taught me the essentials of writing and communications. Now I can pursue my love of creative writing as I continue my education seeking a Master's in Creative Writing/TV Film. I have enough knowledge to start work in the field and by the end of my Master's I will have gained more to veer off in that arena. My goals never changed because I always knew what I wanted to do. I just didn't know the specifics of the industry, and now I have a better understanding. I am so proud of this accomplishment that I have achieved!
To the aspiring journalist, I say if writing makes you happy and satisfies you, pursue it at all costs. Just know that it may not be all glitter and glam. Also, prepare to write tons of long papers in school. Prepare to learn APA style and use it productively. Those are the things I did not like about school, yet it has made me a better journalist in training. As I prepare to take on the world, I say to you never give up, never give in, and always achieve the goal you set. Become the journalist you actually aspire to be, no matter what the people say. Know that you are the one who writes your story of life and only you can change the course. Good Luck!
