I’ll be honest: journalism is difficult for me. I wrote for the Culture section of The Lumberjack last semester and have not yet taken JLS131, so I have some experience with reporting but perhaps not as much as others in the class. The process of formulating questions, transcribing interviews, having my work published for all to see and particularly leaving the safety of my home to talk to strangers is still difficult for me. And even after the process is completed, I am extremely nervous that I may have misrepresented someone.
All struggles considered, I think that journalism is vital to a functioning democracy. I like the idea of calling out public figures or people with “power” who aren’t doing what they said they would do, or who are doing immoral things, and letting the public know about it. I like the idea of giving the opportunity to people whose voices aren’t heard very often to have their thoughts and feelings magnified. I like the idea of talking and understanding people whom I would not have otherwise met without journalism.
I am hoping that I will eventually get over my dread and discomfort of the journalistic process, because I really want to be able to do journalism effectively and with enjoyment. I hope to write journalistic books someday. Before that, though, I know I must be good enough for people to fund my travels and long-term projects, and in order to get good I need practice.
Writings on Journalism 