It's funny, you know. I've been told that journalism is dying. I've been told that for years. I guess it's even more funny considering that my major is journalism.

Well, maybe not that funny.

Am I taking a risk? Am I taking a shot in the dark? Could I possibly live in a box or work at McDonald's after graduation? All are good possibilities. Honestly, it does make my hands a little sweaty.

But honestly? I'm proud to be a journalism major.

Whenever people ask my major, I feel a sense of pride swell within my heart. My eyes grow big, heart beats fast and smile grows wide.

"Journalism," I say.

"Oh," is the response I normally get.

And, that's fine.

Without journalism, our nation wouldn't be half as good as it is. Our government would not be held accountable and officials would be allowed to live without consequences.

The silent would have no voice. The poor would have no help. Because of journalists, citizens are given a voice. Because of journalists, the needy are given help.

But in the new world of "fake news", being a journalism major can be a little awkward. Because now, some people don't take reporters as seriously as they should. Because of what they read on Facebook, they seem to hate us. Because of what they hear people in the government cry about, they turn their backs against us.

And that's the worst part.

The integrity of journalists has been stripped away the past year. "They're all fake news," I hear people cry. "They are only looking to start a fight."

But, none of this is true for the mass.

When a problem needs fixed in the community and the police and government officials won't answer, who else do they call other than journalists? They know we will help. They know we will try to solve the problem. Still yet, they turn around and decide to drag our reputation through the mud.

Through it all, I am proud to be a journalism major.

We want to reach the truth. We want to help the community. We want to hold the nation together with truth.