People's stories can be fascinating. Hearing where they come from and how they ended up where they did helps you realize just how unique each individual is, and what makes them the person they are. Take Humans of New York for example, the popular photojournalism work of Brandon Stanton. This project goes to show that every single person you see on the street has a story and a background, and the depth they have to their character can be entirely insightful.
Being a journalist means getting out there and working. There is no cubicle or desk job when it comes to exposing people's stories. Interviewing people and hearing about their lives and seeing their raw emotions for yourself is what the job is about. Even when you do sit down to document everything you have learned for others to experience, it's not for you. It's for the reader who can learn from it, and even the subject who chooses to open themselves up and tell their tale.
The people you meet along the way mean something. It isn't simply about networking and making a name for yourself, but it's about learning from others. The diversity and vast variety of people you communicate with is inspiring, and it makes you realize just how many people are out there to meet and hear their story. One day you could be rubbing shoulders with celebrities and the next, hearing about the life of an everyday citizen struggling to get by. Journalism lets you come into contact with people you would never usually meet with another job, and that is incredible.
Being a journalist also gives you lifelong skills. Whether it's communication, writing or investigating, this field forces you to push yourself and be the best you can be. Even if it's writing an article for a yearbook, taking a picture for a Q&A or figuring out the perfect headline, journalists implement their skills in these areas in numerous aspects of life.
When The Future Journalism Project took to Twitter and asked people why they became journalists using #whyjournalism, the feedback was enlightening.
"Because anything at all is worth writing about if you care enough about it."
"Because to change the world, journalism is an "immediate short-term weapon."
"It is a great privilege and honor to be the voice for others."
Being a journalist is something which many are passionate about, because of the lives it can change and the stories it can tell. And that's why I'm pursuing such a strong and thrilling career.
