So last week I went on a bit of a rant about the things I hate about journalism. This week, I turned to a more positive note, and wrote about why I love what I do.
1. Great interviews
As a journalist, I've had all sorts of interviews. The great, the good, and the terrible. There’s nothing worst than when you get off the phone after a bad interview. All they gave you was vague answers, or “I don’t knows.” Nothing that can be used, nothing that is quotable. You want to scream, or punch something. I can’t tell you how many times I have gone into my roommate’s room to complain about a bad interview.
But there are the good ones too. The ones where it seems like liquid gold is coming out of your interviewee’s mouth. Everything is quotable, and the only problem you’re going to have is trying to slim it all down so your article is not a thousand words. Those interviews can end up lasting forever, just because the person is so interesting and passionate about the topic. Thank you, you wonderful people, who do this. You make the journalists of the world very happy.
2. Relationships with editors.
In last week’s article I complained about editors breathing down your neck and making you write stories even though you may not have the time or interest. But not all editors are evil. Most of them just want what the writer wants: for the publication to be the best it can be. I have actually had some great relationships with some of my editors, and they are always willing to help when a story hits the wall.
Recently, I have become an editor of the "Odyssey," so I am now understanding what editors go through. It’s no easy task, being in control of a team of people who have responsibilities every week to get an article out along with all the other stuff they have to do. I’ve seen both sides, and I like to think that makes me a more understanding person. A lot of editors have been in both spots, so just be nice to your editors. They understand the frustrations of writing, and just want the best product possible.
3. Getting to experience new things
Journalists get to experience a lot of cool things because they get assignments to write. Some get to travel all over the world. As a school journalist, I have not gotten to experience that quite yet, although I did travel to Moline, Ill. last year to do a story for a magazine about an old candy store. I got free candy out of the deal and a chance to travel, which was a lot of fun. But even here on campus I get to experience new things. Whenever something comes up on the budget that I find interesting, I take the opportunity to write the story. This way I get to experience new clubs, new activities, and new people. Which brings me to my next point:
4. The people I get to meet
I love getting to tell others’ stories. My favorite type of article to write is a profile, because I get to focus on one person and see why they’re unique. Most of the time I write about the people who aren’t use to having the focus on them, because they’re often behind the scenes. These people can be some of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet, and once you get them talking some of them just won’t quit. Journalism has, in a way, brought me out of my shell of being that quiet little girl. Now I feel like I know a large amount of the campus, because I’ve interviewed so many people at one point or another. The connections you make are really great, and they can even hep you with other stories in the future.
5. Seeing my name in print
When I first started journalism in high school, the best feeling came when I got to see my name in the newspaper for the first time. Now that I have moved on to writing in magazines as well as newspapers, it’s even cooler. Seeing my name on that glossy paper makes me feel like I accomplished something. All those hours of interviews and awful transcribing paid off, because the end product is beautiful. You can ignore the spelling errors the first time you look at the finished product, or at least just blame the editors.
6. Writing
I found my love for writing all the way back in second grade, and I haven’t stopped since. From creative to journalistic, I just love when ideas form on a page. There’s nothing better than having a “writer’s high,” aka when you can write for hours upon hours without stoping, ignoring the cramps in your hands because everything just makes sense, the words are right there, and you can’t risk stopping and losing it all. I’ve caught the bug, and I think it will stay with me for the rest of my
