The Scene staff
I have always loved to read and write.
I can remember spending lazy summer days curled up with a good book as a kid. I would get lost into the wonderful world of fiction for hours, always dreading to return to reality.
As a teenager, I spent several sleepless nights pouring my soul onto a piece of paper after a messy breakup with my boyfriend. However, as I grew older, I locked away my gift and buried it in the sea of unlived dreams.
Until I came to college, that is.
I will never forget writing my first essay for my college composition I professor, Susan Irgang. She absolutely loved my writing. It was her encouragement that pushed me to pursue a career in writing.
I would have never imagined this to be the beginning of a wonderful journey for me. After a few semesters at the college, I was invited to be a part of the honors ceremony after successfully completing courses for the honors program.
Toward the end of the ceremony, department chair Sandra Osburn told the audience about the student newspaper. I wasn’t really interested in being a journalist, but I thought it would be a neat experience. So I took the information and connected with the adviser, Teri Maddox, about starting as a reporter in the spring semester.
I had no idea what to expect when I walked into the newsroom. I immediately felt like a fish out of water as we discussed AP Style, deadlines and layout designs. But I’ve never been a person to run from a challenge, so I decided to stick it out.
It wasn’t too long before I fell into the rhythm of the newspaper. It was exciting, having the opportunity to jump on breaking news and learning the ins and outs of the newspaper business.
Although I loved creative writing, I quickly found another niche in news writing. The feeling that I got from seeing my first story published in the student newspaper was indescribable.
Writing for the newspaper hasn’t only been a great learning experience, it’s also opened other doors for me. I’ve been able to meet people from all walks of life.
I’ve had the privilege to interview all types of people — from the president of the campus college, to the student who returned to school after using drugs for over 30 years and a young lady who successfully graduated the nursing program, despite a disability that prohibits her from using one side of her body after a terrible childhood accident.
My life has been touched by the stories I’ve written about the students, such as a woman who battled cancer while attending classes and still graduated on time. Another student I wrote about experienced abuse as a child, became a prostitute as a homeless teen, went to jail in her early adult life and is now a successful author and playwright telling her story to people all over the world.
The experiences I’ve had as a journalist are irreplaceable. The tools I’ve obtained and the stories I’ve written will follow me for the rest of my life.
It doesn’t hurt that I will be able to add these skills along with the awards I’ve earned to my résumé when I’m ready to pursue a career after college.
In addition, my experience with the paper helped me land an internship with The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis in their communications department. Did I mention the amazing networking opportunities I’ve gained as a result of my position with the student newspaper?
Although journalism isn’t my first choice, I now possess skills that will open other opportunities for me as a writer. I’ve also had fun while doing it and built long-lasting relationships.
Fellow students, I urge you to take advantage of the opportunities before you. It may not be journalism, but there are several organizations on campus that can benefit your professional life in the long run. Do your research on the various organizations and find out how you can use your skills during your college experience.
Of course there may not be pay involved, and it will definitely cost you time you may not have. But the rewards and the experience you’ll gain are priceless.
Go ahead and take a chance. The payoff in the end will be well worth your time.