Have you ever been so close to a dream you can almost grab it? A dream that you have held on to for several years now? It may be hard knowing that even if you work your best, it may not be someone else's best. You realize, however, that through the people you meet, through the obstacles you might face, your dream can be obtainable. That is the best feeling ever.
Ever since I declared journalism as my major, I knew that it would be a struggle to get there. Being a journalist doesn't happen over night, and it is hard to understand that as a sophomore in college with graduation and finding a job afterwards approaches fast. I question my journey as a journalist many days out of the week as I learn more and more about this career in my classes. I know that it takes many steps to become a credible journalist who people respect, which goes for every other career as well. But meeting a person who has influenced journalism and the world in which we live in today is so inspiring. It shows that where you are now, someone else has gone through the same thing, and has been successful in doing so. There is no purpose in giving up or deciding that your dream is too hard to reach, because there will be a moment in your life when you realize that what you are doing and why you are doing it matters.
Over the weekend, I got to meet Hank Klibanoff, a journalist and professor for Emory University at the Decatur Book Festival. My chance of meeting him was spur of the moment and I am so gracious that I even had the chance to meet him. He gave me hope in the steps I am taking to obtain my career, which people my age do not get to hear on a daily basis. He also gave me advice to stay on top of the current events in the world, because as a journalist, those are the most important facts to know. Having this opportunity showed me that you can’t take moments in life for granted, and that everyone you meet is placed there for a reason. I might question my path on becoming a journalist, but talking with Hank taught me that no matter the dream, no matter the obstacles, what you do in life has a purpose and a way to get there. It may be hard, but no one has it that easy.
