Personal Statement:Journalism 3

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Journalism Personal Statement

More often than not, the media lugs behind it a group of unhappy people, all of whom criticize it for not delivering ‘real’ news because it doesn’t fit with their own opinions. While these people may have their reasons for expressing their concerns, one simply cannot argue with the fact that, the media is the most powerful tool on earth. In my eyes, I feel that it is not so much that the media explicitly tell you what to think but instead, more subtly, suggests what to think about, providing the parameters within which one’s thoughts are constrained.

As a child, I have always been told of the power of the written word with sayings such as ‘The pen is mightier than the sword’ emphasizing its strength. It was from an early age that I began my fascination with writing, indulging myself in the scribblings of my pen, excited by the flow of words which expressed what I wanted to say perfectly. English has always been my favourite subject; it was at the tender age of 12 that I realized I wanted to pursue journalism. Today, I have never regretted that decision which is why I want to combine my passion for writing and my thirst for learning by continuing my tertiary education in the field of journalism.

Throughout the duration of my high school, I regularly entered the Scholastic Writing Awards and in my final year, earned a qualification in poetry. As I moved on to pre-university, my interest in writing never stopped. I was part of the college team that produced the annual student magazine, contributing in the marketing department while making writing contributions at the same time.

Currently, I am completing my Diploma in Communications majoring in journalism at a different college. During my studies I have come to realize that in the field of communication, education is best when it is linked with experience. Therefore, to widen my perspective of the journalism industry I have taken up various internship positions to enhance my learning and provide me with the experience that I need. My internship at a magazine company- Mongoose Publishing, led me to gain valuable experience of the operations of a major publishing company and in the process some of my work was published in two of their publications – Expatriate Lifestyle, and Golf Vacations. At the moment, I have just completed a second internship at Al Jazeera English International. I feel that this internship has opened my eyes to a world different than mine- broadcast journalism, and I can safely say that I will take back treasured memories while having honed my news writing skills. Alongside these internships, I am a regular contributor to an entertainment magazine of MediaCorp Publishing as well an educational magazine, Edusmith. In this manner, I feel that I will be able to take on anything that comes my way in the field of journalism.

Having been in various posts of leadership; School Vice-Captain, Captain, President of the student body, and most recently, Assistant Project Manager for a project in aid of palliative care, I have been able to listen, learn, and appreciate another's view as opposed to mine. I’ve learned to be open-minded and have, I think, developed excellent interpersonal communication skills. Sports and dance have been a major part of my adolescent life. I’ve also had a deep interest in many arts, and any book whose words bounce of the page with its creativity and emotion captivates my attention.

Restrictions on the press are something I often see in today’s world walking hand in hand with government control. To me, journalism is successful only once your message has been understood by the reader. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”, and it is with this exceptional tool called the pen, that I hope to make my change.

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