When I first announced to friends and family I was going to college, my intended major was secondary education with a focus in English. It seemed reasonable and had a decent career for me at the end of it. Everyone seemed to like that idea and even found it pretty neat. I was very glad. Upon actually getting into the major and dabbling in just tutoring, I learned very fast that I did not want to go into education. My heart was just not in it.
I couldn't explain things very well and really, I didn't feel dedicated. Before continuing any further, I changed my major when second semester was rolling around. I decided to go into journalism. My family and I thought it was a great idea but everyone else had their own opinions. I opened a floodgate I didn't even know I was opening.
When hearing I changed my major, a lot of people's critiques went something along the lines of: "You're letting her go into a dying field?" The words "dying field" seemed to pop up a lot. To answer your question I don't even remember asking for: no. My parents are not letting me go into a dying field. They are letting me go into the glorious world of journalism.
Do you actually have any idea what a career in journalism can look like? Sure, it is writers for newspapers but guess what, just because newspapers aren't being printed doesn't mean they are dying. The articles you read online are written by journalists. The smiling faces you see when turning on your TV to get your nightly news are journalists. Those out in the field collecting news for TV stations are journalists.
There isn't just the obvious stuff, too. I personally want to go into writing film reviews. To do that I need to have a background in journalism. Ever see those groundbreaking photos that show the world what real situations look like? That's photojournalism. People have to major in journalism for a job like that. When you tune in to the big game or receive highlights about your favorite sports team, all of that is given to you by sports journalists. Even those tabloids you read while standing in line at the grocery store come from journalists, despite the trashy nature of it.
There is a whole world out there for me with a degree in journalism. I can go do my movie reviews as I wish to and maybe be one of those interviewers you see interviewing your favorite actor. I could travel far and wide to get real, raw photos of life in other countries or cities live. Maybe, if I become desperate enough, you'll see me trashing someone's name in a sleazy tabloid just for laughs. Whatever I decided to do with my degree is my business so I would greatly appreciate it if you stop patronizing me and allow me to explore all the opportunities available.
