There is a lot to be thankful for in my life. Some things include a happy marriage, a great job, a loving family, and a high level of privilege that has helped me along the way.
I am also very grateful for my experience in journalism that has effected me in countless ways. It’s been a gift. I see the world differently, think more critically, and understand writing through a new perspective. This is in part thanks to my many years spent writing with truth and clarity as my main objectives.
Now, as someone working in public relations, I use many of my journalistic practices on a daily basis (the two fields have more in common than you’d think). The quality of my content is better off for it.
Although I may not have a byline anymore, or spend my Tuesday nights producing a 20-page edition, I’ll always carry those lessons with me.
They started in a small Colorado town, with a weekly community newspaper.
Times Change
Originally posted in the March 2016 edition of the CU Denver Sentry.
My small mountain town is always calling my name. This is especially true as the snow starts to melt and the spring-time sun emerges from behind Gunnison Valley’s peaks. Sunny Gunni, as the locals call it, has an allure for everyone who pays rent or pitches their tent near the coveted Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Some people roll their eyes at their hometown. Even though it comes with its own set of demographic issues, I never will. Honestly, I just couldn’t.
While so much of my attraction to the town comes from the tight-knit community, my childhood home, gorgeous scenery, and the 360 (at least) days of sunshine in a year, one amenity stands apart from the rest: The Gunnison Country Times, the valley’s weekly newspaper.
It inspired me enough to direct my path. I was an English major without a formal direction. I had an epiphany, inspired by my love of the familiar print.
So, with my dad’s professional connections in hand and my resolve to be a “practical” writer, I asked the publisher for an internship with The Times after my freshman year of college. It worked, and I began to compose my first pieces of journalism, at the command of the paper’s editor.
Tenacity and Luck
Everything was new. At this point in my life, I’d never opened the AP Style Guide, called someone for an interview, or had to pitch a story idea.
I was brand new to photographer collaboration and column inch counts. My idea of writing had always been confined to sitting on my bed and snacking on chocolate, waiting for narrative inspiration to strike in doses of academic engagement.
I was scared. My first article was about a local man, in his eighties, who kept track of the weather every day for the past 25 years. I showed up to his front door, and nearly turned around when I saw his cat tied to a leash, thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?”
Somehow, I stuck it through. I wrote articles I’ll never forget. There was one about the art center’s literary journal. Another dug into the prairie dog crisis on the western slope. Then, a Western State Colorado University alum starring in her own TV show. And my favorite, about my high school basketball coach promoted to the varsity squad. All were small assignments, but they spoke to the strength of the community and its relationships.
With each passing article, I found my voice. I found my confidence. And, along the way, I found that The Times was a starting point for me.
And guess what? There would be more to come.
There certainly will be greater things to come for you. I can feel your passion through your words, please never lose that xx
That is SO sweet. Thank you so much for reading, as well as for your kind words of encouragement. xx
I did a journalism degree so I found this really interesting to read. I finished my degree not wanting to pursue a career in journalism but can definitely relate to aspects of this like thinking about things differently and more critically. I’m glad you took many positive lessons from it x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Same. I got mine in English and Communcations with a journalism emphasis, and I did not go anywhere near either. I’m glad to have the background, but I’m also happy I parted ways. Thank you for reading and commenting! x
I love so much about this! From changing direction to the small, hometown and always coming back to your roots. Just love, love, love! You never know where life will take you, even if you think you have it all planned out.
There’s definitely something poetic about thinking about where you came from in respect to where you are now. Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words!
Beautifully written. It’s wonderful your following tour dreams.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Alyssa
THESACREDSPACEAP.COM
Thank you so much! My dreams have evolved and changed, and I’m so happy to honor their roots. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I love your writing style, its so true that you can feel your passion within it (as a comment above mentioned!) Life is always unpredictable but I think the reason is so that we pick up so many lessons along the way. Great post, lovely! x
That is very kind, and I’m so flattered. And agreed! My dreams and plans have definitely changed, morphed, and evolved, but there’s always something to pick up along the way. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, love. x
This was super inspiring, Stephanie! I can definitely understand your passion, as I used to be a student journalist too in my younger years. It’s great that everything’s working out well for you though and that you still get to use your journalism background in your current career! 🙂 It’s true what they say, we may not know where life will take us, but as long as we’re happy, it’s still a great life. Cheers! xx
Thank you very much! I totally agree, and feel so fortunate that my background is helping me in my present endeavors, and hopefully my future pursuits as well. And yes to happiness! Cheers! Thanks for reading and your kind words. 🙂 xx
Great post! As someone soon to be starting a journalism degree, it’s interesting to read your experiences.
There’s incredible value in it! I wish you the best of luck as you move forward with your education.
Thank you so much!
Hi. Please check out my blog 😊
https://themohmysblog.wordpress.com
sure!
A terrific post…I got my start in broadcast journalism and did a LOT of entertainment news…a unique topic to be sure! I wish that the objectivity of “news” wasn’t under attack right now, but it’s still better to have voices speaking out – or writing out – than to have no voices at all…again, great article!
How cool! I love connecting with people who have had similar backgrounds and also let it take them in different directions. More and more, I’ve found so many people who started in journalism, and whether it came with the decline of newspapers or far before that, it lead to a different yet related career. And agreed! I’ll always stand by truth-seeking journalists and consider them true heroes of our time, amidst so much backlash, etc. Meeting Bob Woodward is one of my favorite memories. Anyway, thank you so much for reading, commenting, and for your kind words!
You are so right “truth-seeking Journalists” are more in need than ever before…
Sadly, this is all too true!
Wonderful clarity, and an interesting background. I used to write in my small town newspaper as well. It was a lot of fun, and so many unique people. Keep up what you’re doing!
Thank you so much for your high praise! And yes, there’s something about being a part of a small publication that is really meaningful, beyond the time spent there. Thank you very much for reading!
I’m heading into college as a communications major with a focus in journalism. I loved reading your story!
Nice! I hope you have a blast and enjoy it so much! Thank you for reading. 🙂