I always think about why I chose to study journalism. I think about the mentors I’ve had, the support I’ve received from friends and family, what I want to do with my life once I have my diploma, the driving forces behind my decision. The optimist dreamer in me chose this major because of my desire to do good in the world, to tell the untold stories of so many lives. It’s not about leaving my own personal branded mark; it’s about making a difference.
When we watched a video in class from a Ted Talks conference, journalist Janine di Giovanni talked about what her role was as a journalist when it comes to making a difference. “I am diluting myself if I think as a journalist, as a reporter, as a writer, what I do can stop them. I can’t…All I am is a witness. My role is to bring a voice to people who are voiceless.”
I was incredibly unsettled upon my first digestion of these words of hers. I based my entire decision-making process upon my desire to help people, to change things, to make a difference. I felt saddened and discouraged, second guessing whether or not I made the right decision of what I plan to do for the rest of my life and my intentions behind it.
I ran through the quote again in my mind, trying to find some way to spin is so my dreams weren't entirely crushed. I though about her last sentence: "My role is to bring a voice to people who are voiceless." I came to realize that while I personally may not have the power to stop wars, combat worldwide starvation, end the war on drugs, all the issues and events that plague the globe, I do have the resources to draw a significant amount of attention to them. Hopefully this way, someone who is more qualified to execute these actions will become aware of what is going on and put great effort toward making a difference.
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