I never, ever wanted to pursue anything at all remotely related to journalism.
After moving from Texas in the summer, I decided to start looking for a job on campus, saw an ad for the newspaper and thought I’d try out for an editing position. Of course, then, I didn’t realize you have to have experience before becoming an editor and being an editor involves a lot more than just proofreading text.
So, to my dismay and absolute horror, I realized I could either take photographs or be a reporter. So, instead of backing out, I decided to grow a pair and actually try the whole journalism thing. I was dreading it like I do most things, without pride and about to pee my pants every time I thought about it. Interviewing people, driving out to possibly remote locations, digging up facts…interviewing people…
Now, nearly 9 months after first deciding to become a reporter, I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
Journalism is not my thing. Read my articles; you can probably tell I’m not brightest tool in the tanning bed when it comes to writing informative, well-researched, in-depth, cold, hard news.
But, I’ve come to known so amazing writers and got a severe wakeup call when reading the first issue of the newspaper. Yeah, it may seem pretty dry, reporting and what not, but it can have your own voice, personal flair, creative twists and be highly entertaining as my fellow employees have shown me.
I hold the utmost respect for them and applaud them for going to school, working, pumping out two articles a week and really interesting, informative ones at that.
Unfortunately, of course, not everyone takes the time to pick up the paper. I’ve run into students who didn’t know what The Globe is or even know the school had a paper.
Of course, sometime next year, it may not. Salt Lake Community College may not have a newspaper anymore.
Sure, it’s not the most popular read for many reasons, but people work hard and devote their time and hours to providing students with the information. The newspaper is for students. Always.
And, often, it’s overlooked.
The fact is, something that’s kept going by a team of bright, hard-working, dedicated students may simply stop, because money matters and we don’t have a lot of it.
It’s a damn shame.
Honestly, until I worked for a newspaper, I barely glanced at any of my school’s paper. I didn’t look at The Indian Echo or The Horn at my previous schools.
And, I can’t say whether or not I’d pick up The Globe if I didn’t write for it.
But I do. Now that I’ve really sat down and read the articles, the stories, gotten to know the people and their style, come to love their work, The Globe is always tucked into my backpack by the time I leave campus on Wednesdays.
When I transfer, I may even continue reporting.
It’s been a blast. I’ve found out some great stories, from juicy gossip to really bizarre tales. I’ve met a lot of different people, seen some really entertaining shows, had much more liberty doing what I’ve always wanted to, bug people with questions and I don’t want to give it up.
Unfortunately for those who will remain at SLCC next fall, for those who do have a passion for it and wish to major in journalism, become photographers, editors and reporters and it’s a damn shame it’s ending.
I do not regret my wish to actually step up to the challenge and join The Globe. It’s been a journey, one I hope will continue, even if it is just a side-hobby or my day job. Even when it seems there’s no news to tell or nobody listening; someone out there is, than it’s worth the time and I’d be happy to share.
