When I entered college, I had a clear idea of what I wanted to study: journalism. Yet, every single person who I told that gave me the same response: "Newspapers are dying, why would you want to study that?"

Because of those responses, I have had many times throughout my college career where I felt like maybe I should switch majors. But then I am constantly reminded by the little things that Communication/Journalism has to offer me, and I am proud to be studying it.

Everyone says that journalism and newspapers are dying, but honestly, it is more alive than ever. Journalists get a bad rep with 'fake news' and this and that. There are bad journalists out there, but that does not mean that all journalists or journalism is bad. There is always going to be news, and there is always going to be people who need to tell that news. You just have to learn how to tell it in a way that is unbiased and that your facts are accurate. Maybe physical newspapers are not as popular, but without them in the first place, journalism would never be where it is today. And it is evolving, which is why I love it so much.

There is a certain light that ignites in me when I receive a new story. I came into college being shy and scared to talk to people, even though I did have a little experience in journalism from high school. But something about college journalism has made me more outgoing, ready to interview anyone and tackle a story head-on.

Journalism has shown me that I cannot just sit back and let people's stories go unheard. There are stories out there that no one has told, ones that are new and fresh, heartwarming or impactful. You just have to take a risk, do some digging and you will find your story.

Yeah, I am not in it for the money. I am in it for the passion and satisfaction I get every time I see my byline on my school newspaper's website, and in print. There is something so incredible about opening up a newspaper and seeing your work on the page. Those are your words, your story and your time and dedication. It was your fourth cup of coffee and passion that got you through writing the story, and I always feel so prideful of it.

So yeah, journalism also has given me a slight coffee addiction, but it has given me the opportunity to talk to people I would have never talked to. Professors in all different majors, students I may never have encountered, store owners, complete strangers, you name it. I have branched out and met wonderful people, and got to tell their stories.

Journalism has given me a great group of people to work with too. I look around the newsroom and am surrounded by people who are all so different, but all have the same passion for putting out quality news. We all mesh together and put out our paper, and I have made so many friends doing so. We laugh through the late nights and coffee twitches and sore necks from staring at a computer screen or editing. We are a little weird, a little tired, but we are all special and talented.

So if you ever feel like you should not study journalism, or someone has discouraged you to do so, rethink it. I am so glad I did because I never would be where I am today without it.