The Life of a Journalist
Where do I begin? Journalism is such an interesting job. There’s something new to write about every single day. And you can never seem to catch a break.
I must say, this job is extremely fulfilling. I get to bring news to the world and inform the public on current events (which, by the way, I was never good on that subject in elementary school).
I’m what’s known as an independent journalist. I don’t work for any media outlet. Hopefully soon I will - that’s the dream! But for the time being, I work with no one, by myself.
With that said, my client is the public.
My goal as an independent journalist is to bring you the unbiased news you want (or don’t, but may need) to hear.
Sometimes it’s fun, other times it’s stressful. One day I’m writing about politics, the next it’s something completely random. You never really know what’s coming, which honestly keeps it exciting.
There are nights when I barely sleep because I’m watching stories break in real time, trying to make sense of what’s actually going on. Most recently, I’ve been covering President Trump’s trip to Asia. Which is 14 hours ahead of the United States. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
People ask me how I do it alone. The truth is, it’s definitely not easy. You have to be your own editor, writer, and fact-checker all at once. But it’s also freeing. I get to decide what matters. I get to decide how to tell it.
When I covered the No Kings protests in Saint Paul/Minneapolis, I was my own producer, cameraman, and reporter. All alone! I must say, it was very fun, and an amazing learning experience. But it was extremely difficult!
Every time I go out to cover something, I remind myself that someone, somewhere, is relying on me to get it right. That keeps me grounded.
Being an independent journalist isn’t about fame or views. It’s about doing the work because it matters. Because people deserve to know what’s really going on in the world.
It’s not always glamorous. Sometimes it’s just me, my camera, and my phone, trying to stay awake, typing fast, and making sure every word is correct. But every story, every post, every late night reminds me why I love this job.
Now I know The Life of a Journalist. And I’ll never know another.
