10 Things All Journalism Majors Know To Be True
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things All Journalism Majors Know To Be True

That AP Stylebook, though.

7
10 Things All Journalism Majors Know To Be True
Static Flickr

My decision to be a journalism major was a fast one. I didn't really know what I wanted to do with it, and I didn't even really know if I would like it. I knew I liked National Geographic and the idea of writing for a magazine, but that's about it. I was a scared freshman getting into something that was way over my head. How was I supposed to know what I wanted to do with the rest of my life? Journalism sounds cool, right? We'll stick with that for now. Little did I know, it would soon become one of my passions that I could not fathom living without. I soon realized I liked the business side of journalism more than the writing side, and while it's slightly different I still take all the same journalism classes as the kids who want to write for newspapers and become broadcasters. We all know the struggles and the long nights of typing it brings, so here are just some of the things we have come to know as true.

1. I do not want to write for a newspaper.

I do not want to write for a newspaper. Some people might, but not everyone does. Newspapers may be a dying field, but journalism is not. Journalism is alive and well. So don't ask me what it's like to be going into a dying field either. Because I'm not. Newspapers aren't for everyone, and they definitely aren't for me.

2. I do not want to become a broadcaster.

Just the same as I said with newspapers. Not everyone who goes into journalism wants to be a broadcaster. Don't get me wrong, that would be extremely cool and is a well respected profession, but it's not for everyone. Also, there are only so many broadcasters in the world. There are so many more professions within the journalism field.

3. We don't all like writing in general.

I am on the business side of journalism. I like writing, but not enough to make it into a career. It's fun and it's a great way to get your foot in the door, but it's not for everyone. It is good to test the water though. Writing for a publication taught me I didn't want to write for a living.

4. AP style is a pain.

That huge spiral book is the backbone of my existence. I don't know what I would be doing without it. But, at the same I despise it with every bone in my body.

5. No, I cannot edit your paper.

I'm a journalism major not an English major. I know about as much grammar as you do. Maybe a little more. But not by much. I still hate grammar. Professors edit papers, journalists write papers.

6. Journalism is more than writing.

There is a whole side of journalism that no one really knows about, and it's fabulous. I want to manage social media and go into public relations, but no one ever thinks you can go into that with a journalism degree. You can do so much more with a journalism degree than journalism. It's like Mary Poppins' magic bag!

7. We all have favorite publications.

I would prefer to read the Huffington Post over the New York Times. That's just how it is. I like the way their articles are formatted, and I like their writers more. Everyone has their favorites, and it's fun to compare articles from different publications.

8. I live in the journalism building.

Schoonover is my second home. Everything I could ever possibly need is in that building. My advisor, all of my classes, there is even a vending machine for rations. The chairs are super comfortable, so I could hang there for hours.

9. Covering events is my homework, and it's awesome.

One of the unexpected perks of being a journalism major is that I get to cover sporting events, concerts, even foreign affairs speakers. Some are more fun than others, but it still blows my mind that I get to cover events for homework. Not to hate on the science and math majors (I can't deal with numbers for my life), but journalism is where it is at.

10. Journalism is a lot more than typing up a story.

If we are writing or doing something completely different, journalism is much more than typing up a story. We put thought and feeling into our work. And we love it when people notice. But that's besides the point. We put a lot into our work, and we love every second of it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

105857
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments