So, you remember how when we were small, people would always ask: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Then you would answer and say: “When I grow up I want to be a _______.”
You could put any word in there. My friends said things like a fireman, policeman, doctor, chef, accountant, a punk rocker or even a princess. I always knew what I wanted to be… I wanted to be a journalist. More specifically, I wanted to read the news on TV. I had this dream since I was about four or five years old.
How far did I get in making my dream a reality?
Well, I pretty much went all the way into Journalism. Thanks to the bursary I received. I eventually completed my degree in broadcast journalism, much to the dismay of one of my lecturers. See, when I was in my second year of varsity, we all had to work on the community newspaper. I did so well that I won the journalist of the year award that year with my portfolio of articles (the award was R 1000 and my name on a plaque at the university).
In my third year I had to make the choice. The tough choice of either choosing to complete my degree in broadcast journalism or print journalism. It was an easy choice. I went into broadcasting. My lecturer was NOT happy. He said that I was wasting my talents although he added that I was one of a few “all rounders” who could work comfortably in both mediums.
Fast forward ten years… and here I am, newly appointed production editor at a monthly magazine. Who would have thought? Who would of thought that my lecturer that time knew what he was talking about? He obviously knew I would be in print journalism, even if I do more design and editing work than actual journalism.
Am I happy with how my career choice worked out? *insert big smile* You bet! I sometimes do envy my friends who get to go out and report on the news, but then when I do not have to work on public holidays and every other weekend, I know I made the right choice in doing what I do.
Btw, who am I kidding, I work on weekends, I am just lucky enough to do it from home. 😉
Anyways, speaking about weekends, have a good one.
Kat and her Blog 
Reblogged this on MULIEBRAL STUDIES and commented:
Careers usually follow family traditions. Almost everyone in my family was a teacher, so that was all I knew to plan for. Then one day I began to dream bigger–dream of helping people to help themselves.
Thanks for reblogging my post Beth. 🙂
how fun!!! But I know journalism requires lots of hours. Hats off to you.
Thanks so much and thank you for visiting my page. 🙂
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I started in broadcast, moved into print, and wound up in high tech, My husband was going to be an actor and ended up with a 40+ year career as a TV reporter. You just never know!
That is interesting, I have been helping with the digital side of things, but not sure if I would ever move over, but, you are very right Marilyn, you just never know. 🙂 Thanks for visiting my page.
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I’m glad to hear that you’ve found your passion. At least it doesn’t seem like a job!
That’s true TA and your passion is out there, waiting for you too. 🙂
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