I can still remember this moment with a high degree of emotional clarity:
I was a senior in high school, full of ambition and itching to move to college. Between working part-time at a local restaurant and attending class, I dreamed of my future life that would unfold the next fall.
As I worked alongside my coworker, one of our beloved customers asked us what our plans were after high school. My coworker recited the normal spiel: the college and major he intended to pursue. The customer's eyes grew wide with excitement, upon hearing my coworker state, "Biology," as his major.
When the time came for me to share, I smiled and stated, "I'm going to KU to major in journalism."
Once again, the customer's eyes grew wide, but not with the approving excitement he had awarded my coworker with. Instead, he raised one eyebrow and skeptically asked, "What kind of a job can you get with that?"
That customer wasn't the first person to question my major and he won't be the last. However, I do wish that each person questioning one's major would take these next five things into account.
To the journalism major skeptics out there,
1. I don't view my major as a death trap.
Journalism is not dead. To put this into perspective, the fact that you're scrolling through my article right now proves that point. Journalism is all around us, from newspapers to broadcasts, the news is being portrayed. As long as people thirst for information, journalism will be alive and well.
2. Don't assume every journalism major wants to be a news anchor or write for a hometown newspaper.
That being said, don't get me wrong. All forms of journalism are equally impactful and necessary; however, not every person pursing a journalism degree wishes to obtain the same job. Journalism is more than just people reporting in front of a camera or writing in a paper. From editing, interviewing, publishing, and much, much, more, the field of journalism is as equally broad and diverse as any other field.
3. Journalism is not just a hobby.
But, perk, sometimes it may feel like one! It takes time and effort to publish a single journalistic work. After all, journalists make their money by expressing their inner thoughts in creative, never-before-seen fashions.
4. Journalism majors aren't just in college for "fun".
Although I wish I could just take writing classes and float in a pool of literature all day long, that idea is merely a "wish". Akin to any other degree seeking student, journalism students must complete courses in math, science, and language. In addition, most colleges require journalism majors to minor in areas such as, Psychology, Business, Communications, Foreign Language, and Philosophy (to name a few).
5. I chose to pursue what I love.
I don't love calculating complex math equations or studying biology, so why would I force myself into a career that revolves around those subjects? I love writing and diving into new realms to explore my creativity. I love talking to people and finding out their stories. I love expressing my thoughts in a journal or on a social media platform. I love searching for truth and educating others of such truth...
...I am a journalism major and I adore what I do.
Sincerely,
A proud journalism student
