It is virtually impossible to ignore the blaring headlines that many news media pump out by the hour. Ranging from educational information to heartwarming stories, journalists all around the world work around the clock to make sure various stories are told to the awaiting general public. In the purest form, journalism is an art that is the result of passionate people who want to share unbiased stories about anything and everything that is happening around the globe.

In recent years, this very art form has been tainted with various negative prejudices: fake news, media bias, public manipulation, a political tool, and secret sponsorships are only a handful of ideas that come to mind when thinking about the modern news media. It is becoming more common for many news articles or corporations to be classified as biased or untrustworthy by the general public. Many follow the trend of vocalizing their distaste for the news media. In the midst of all the drama about whether or not the future of news is dead, I personally still stand by my faith in journalism.

Throughout my teenage years, the most common questions I’ve been asked by students and adults alike is my plans for the future: what I want to be when I grow up. Unlike others who sometimes pondered over future career options, I have always known what I wanted to do. In a sense, I am thankful that I found my passion early on. Answering that I wanted to be a journalist is never a problem, but I have noticed a continuing pattern with the reactions that come with after sharing.

Many of my most trusted friends have raised a brow, asking uncertainty about if I wanted to speak on TV. Journalism comes in many forms, and a broadcaster/anchor is one job that is related to it, and I kindly explain the different types of jobs that come within the field. Others jokingly tell me not to become a corrupt journalist and not to work under big name companies who are constantly being called out on the news for being biased. Some family members offhandedly commented on the potential low income, while others genuinely worried about my future finances.

I want to write about the untold stories and interesting events happening internationally. Although I’m not expecting to become the face of some grandiose event, I still want to write, interview, and edit stories in order to cover past, current, and future events. As a mixed-race immigrant living in the US, I feel as though I have a good understanding and ability to see the many perspectives required in covering a story.

Journalism is a job that allows you to be deeply involved in the community physically and emotionally and an excellent way to put myself out in the world. The job teaches patience but also speed and persistence when it is needed. The research and covering of many events naturally grows knowledge about many things, something that can’t be learned from a textbook.

Personally, each new story being written is like a new life lesson since I am diving into a new event or covering new people, even if it is just for a short amount of time.

What I want to do comes with many responsibilities, but there are definitely more pros than cons. I want to look back on an article with my name next to it, published, and feel proud that I have contributed to a small part in the busy world. The world is ultimately at the mercy of journalists, and I like the idea of being the person that people seek out in times of need for new information.