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• Thursday, December 7, 2006 03:47 PM

  Another note from the recent J-School Grad...

  The LW wants to know:

  "You journalists who've read and responded, what motivates you? Is it something like what I describe, playing out some personal psychodrama? Or more like the responder's sense of civic duty and service to readers?"

  I suppose it's all of those things for me.

  I like to think that my chosen career brings me closer to the noblest ideals of our democracy (which crumbles a little more each day). I like to think that I am seeking out the "capital T" Truth in a world where everyone has an agenda. I like to think journalism is one of the few professions that really depends on participation and mutual trust.

  But I also like getting my ego stroked when I see my name in print under the headlines. It's a kick. It's rewarding. I'm an extrovert and I like the constant social interaction. Perhaps that's my psychodrama talking.

  My best advice:

  Keep reading writers you love. Try to keep that feeling of awe and respect that you get when reading an incredible piece of writing. Perhaps carry around some kind of reminder as to why you wanted to go to J-school in the first place.

  I know this helped me when I was freezing in Chicago, standing on a corner until I could bug enough people to get a decent quote. It helped me when I made my first big error in published copy. It helped me when I got hung up on or ignored.

  But I'm not a career-changer, like you. I'm just starting out and have lots of room to grow. It's brave of you to take on something so foreign and obviously outside of your comfort zone. I wish you the very best of luck.

  —Cub Reporter
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