The Newsie Scene (10/28/16)

  I am a girl with a pen who fell in love with the field of journalism.  There is something so special about being able to help tell the stories of the world. That's what I have learned and grown to  believe journalism to be: an avenue to get to know the people of the world, and give truth a voice and a platform.  My very first Communications professor in undergrad once said, "Everybody has a story; it is the job of the journalist to find that story and to tell it well."  That simple, yet profound statement has served as a guide, and I continue to discover the ways in which it shapes me as a journalist.

​Now that my circle is expanding professionally, I am finding that there are those who still share the appreciation, and have a respect for the ethical practices on which journalism was founded: to seek truth and report it, to minimize harm, to act independently, and to be accountable and transparent (http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp). l believe that as truth seekers, we as journalists, are held to a standard of integrity and morality that is irrefutable. Moreover, I am of the opinion that in any story that is covered, it is far more important to get the story right​, than it is to get the story out first.

​Yesterday (10/28/16), I finally got to visit the NEWSEUM in Washington DC. I leisurely walked through each level, taking in the moments along the way. I read the information on the plaques in different exhibits, listened to the stories of journalists in the documentaries that played  in different sections of the museum, paid homage to the fallen journalists at the NEWSEUM's Journalists Memorial, and marveled at the unique artifacts that the museum had collected.

​There was so much to see, so much to take in. In light of the day's event and upon reflection, I'd say that yesterday way one of rediscovery and a confirmation of purpose. In an unexpected way,  I rediscovered why I am passionate about this field: it's because of the opportunity it provides. Henry Luce said it best, "I became a journalist to come as close as possible to the heart of the world." ​ Having studied under some of the best teachers, given opportunities to intern and learn about this field (the good and the bad), and continuing to be led by the Holy Spirit, I am convinced that this is what I am called to, this is where I am called to be.  Journalism invites people to be a part of something bigger: a global perspective. It offers the chance to get a glimpse into the lives of those we encounter every day, and it gives a voice to those who are still trying to find their own.

​If you have not yet made a trip to the NEWSEUM, I would encourage you to do so next time you're in or around Washington DC. For more information visit their website, http://newseum.org .

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