I went to my dermatologist one day, and as he evaluated my skin, he asked, “What are you majoring in?” With a huge smile on my face, I answered journalism. He chuckled and laughed as if I said a joke. I looked at him, confused by his reaction—although it’s not like the first time I got this reaction. He added, “You’re spending thousands of dollars in school. Why would you choose journalism? You’ll never get a job in it.”
I felt a knot in my stomach. I almost believed him. Then I remembered how happy I feel every time I learn about shooting video reels or writing news stories in my classes. Then I smiled internally. I told myself it was all worth it.
If journalism is a dying field, then why do we keep watching the news? Whether through social media or TV, journalism is alive and well, and the public needs it.
If you ever questioned whether journalism is worth pursuing in college, you’re not alone. I debated it, too.
Choosing the “right” major stresses out almost every student. From the very first moment on campus, we must choose one path that will define our career. And yet most still change careers later on in.
I asked myself: Is journalism really right for me?
I didn’t think it was, at first.
So I started college as a business major. It felt like a safe choice at the time. Still, I felt unhappy in my classes. The little girl who loved to tell stories and admired TV personalities so much felt trapped in a field that she thought would guarantee her a job after graduation.
I felt unmotivated and didn’t learn anything that really interested me in my business classes. One morning, after a breakdown, I went to see my creative writing professor at the time. As he sat there in his “chair of the wise” as he liked to call it, he looked at me hard in the eyes and said, “You are not made for a technical career like business.”
I felt taken aback. Everyone told me that I made the right choice. How can he claim the opposite? “I have watched you and you are definitely someone creative,” he added.
For the first time, someone else recognized my talent and passion for writing. Most of my life, I dealt with uncertainty, thinking that I wasn’t good enough to be a writer. So I turned to business until that wise professor sent me in the right direction: journalism.
Since that day, I walk with my head held high. I have the confidence that I am good enough to pursue journalism. I knew that I was made to tell stories. From that day, I decided to pursue my passion with no regrets no matter the setbacks that life may send my way. There will always be a gray area and the uncertainty never dies. But my drive keeps me going. If I do not follow my passion, I may regret this for the rest of my life. Thankfully, my professor made me realize my worth and my talent.
All students struggle with job security as they approach the end of their college career. But I am confident enough in my ability that I am enjoying the ride and exploring different areas of journalism. Since that day, I know that I am meant to tell stories through writing or reporting.
