The Journalist

Okay, so I have been doing Journalism since the beginning of this year and only now, a good five months in, have I realised that being a journalist actually means writing articles. I know that I had to write them (obviously). But I only just began to understand that I could write for a difference.

Originally, I chose to study Journalism because it would give me an opportunity to further my skills as a writer. I always used to write about life events and the like, but I always wrote them as stories for me to read later on and laugh/cry at. Now, thinking about some life stories, they could be used as articles for others to read. Others reading my stories. Except, they aren't stories. They're articles about real things that have happened or are happening. That may not seem like a big realisation to most people, but that's revolutionary for me. 

For example, I've been writing stories about my family for years. I might post one some day, but the point is that I write them. I've written many stories about my eldest brother because he's a musician. He has a passion for music, he writes, sings and plays multiple instruments. He has been in bands, performances for school (both as a subject and the annual variety concert they hold), he's organised gigs for himself and for others that he performs with ... he's a news-worthy guy. And yet, he's been sitting there under my nose for almost eighteen years. 

In class, we learn a lot about how to write effectively and how to reach the public with words. Journalism gives me the chance to actually put that into effect. I feel that being a journalist could give me the opportunity to make a difference in the world. I could write to influence. I could write to raise awareness. I could write for any reason I desire.

Journalism can change lives.