How did majoring in English prepare you for your career?

I have been a journalist since January 2013 and a professional journalist since January 2015. Majoring in English, and more specifically, journalism, has prepared me for this career choice by allowing me to gain the writing and editing skills needed to perform for a multitude of newspapers and editors. In addition, the emphasis Valdosta State journalism professors place on AP Style has gained me recognition with former and current editors. Without my college experience at VSU and at the Spectator, I would not possess the skillset necessary to call myself a journalist.

How has majoring in English enriched your life?

By majoring in English at Valdosta State, I was able to study and read about several cultures, which has helped me connect with people from different backgrounds. Additionally, through journalism courses with Dr. Patricia Miller and Dr. Ted Geltner, I was able to gain a knowledge about journalism I wouldn’t have gained anywhere else. 

What advice or insight do you have for VSU alumni and students interested in your career field?

My advice for VSU alumni and students interested in journalism would be to remember why you got into journalism. From the outside, it can be a thankless job; don’t expect a typical Monday through Friday schedule; the assignments can be quirky and far from home. However, it is rewarding working for a local newspaper that affects its community, it is rewarding working for award-winning publications and it is rewarding working for editors and fellow journalists who live for this work.

Also, I would encourage prospective journalists to innovate. Yes, print journalism is declining but journalism is stronger and more needed than ever. Journalists need to create new methods of storytelling through social and multimedia.

I know Miller hates clichés as much as the next person, but I thoroughly enjoy what I do for a living, something not everyone in the workforce can say. I enjoy showing up to work each day and I enjoy being around other journalists. Despite my student loan debt, I wouldn’t trade in my experience at VSU or my career choice for anything.

Lastly, save local journalism.