I have spent four years in journalism, doing both photojournalism and Newspaper. The thing is, I never intended to be in

journalism. I applied to photojournalism because it was the only photography class I could find. As for Newspaper, it was simply a

backup class. I received an email telling me I had been accepted. I dropped one of my classes and put Newspaper in my

schedule. I didn’t realize then how it would change my life forever.

   “Look for something, find something else, and realize what you’ve found is more suited to your

needs than what you thought you were looking for,” author Lawrence Block said.

This class had one of the biggest impacts on my life of any decision I have ever made. Every

year in the spring, the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) holds J-Day, a state

competition. The journalism programs of schools around Missouri spend the entire day taking

lessons around the campus before the award ceremony. I had always planned on attending the

University of Missouri-Kansas City until my freshman year. When I stepped foot onto Mizzou’s

campus and knew this was exactly where I was supposed to be. On Dec. 14, 2024, I was

accepted. It was the only college I applied to. Had it not been for this journalism program, I

would have likely never even considered Mizzou.

   I may not be continuing in journalism, but I will never forget what it has taught me. I plan on

going into nursing, specializing in Neonatal care. Knowing how to talk to people, how to

sympathise with them and how to listen to their stories are fundamental to the career I have

chosen. Just as fundamental as they are to journalism.

I could not be more thankful for every opportunity I have gained from this class. My biggest

advice for any student in or interested in journalism is to never forget the purpose of what you

do: you are giving a voice to the voiceless. Even if it doesn’t seem like it to everyone, you make

all the difference to someone.