The Trump Administration Made Me Rethink My Journalism Major
Start writing a post
Politics

The Trump Administration Made Me Rethink My Journalism Major

Because hearing "fake news" every day can take its toll on a person.

154
The Trump Administration Made Me Rethink My Journalism Major
Photo by rob walsh on Unsplash

In a time of crisis and overall political tension, being a journalist has become even more stressful than ever. On November 8, 2016 people around the world saw America at its wildest. As I've graduated from high school and began college within the first two years of 45's presidency, being a journalism major during this time made me rethink if I really wanted this anymore.

When I walked into my first journalism class at UT, it covered the basics. The history of journalism, watchdog journalism, yellow journalism, and multimedia influence. The deeper I got into my studies the more I realized how skewed the American media was/could be. I was tired of turning on my TV or checking into Twitter and seeing Trump's face or his tweets plastered all over my timeline.

Eventually, I found myself disconnecting from media, I stopped watching the news, I didn't check into Twitter as often, I turned off the breaking news notifications on my phone. There was just a period where I was, exhausted. I was tired of the arguments, the fake news outbursts, the constant back and forth between government and the media.

I felt like as a journalism major, I was about to walk into this mess at any given moment, granted I wasn't going into political journalism it still felt like I was going to be involved somehow.

I became so disconnected to the point where I was bombing current events quizzes. I was just tired. The whole idea of being a journalist was to bring the truth to the people, or that's what young Courtney thought it was supposed to be.

As I grow older and continue my degree and pick up different disciplines within my major, I remember that only the strong can put up with all this and still try and bring the news to people day in and day out. Despite the incoherence that America seems to be trapped in and despite the animosity that Americans have towards each other, I still have hope in us. I still have hopes that despite what has happened in the past two years, it will get better. It might take a while. Some things might have to burn to the ground but I know that there is hope.

So, if you're a journalism major or a political science major or whatever, and you feel personally obligated to fix our country, don't worry. We'll get our chance and we're going to get it right.

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.

99484
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