End of the Semester Reflection

After taking this class, it really has helped my understanding of the journalism world. I never realized there was an entire writing style for journalism (AP). It took some time for me to get used to the style but I got the hang of it. It is because of taking this class, I have a higher respect for the people who are currently working in this field. It is much harder that I thought it would be. The pressuring deadlines. The information they need to do the story. The amount of work one has to go through to make a newscast or newspaper happen. The ideas one has to come up with. The list goes on and on.

I find it amazing how before taking this class I had the hardest time coming up with ideas that were interesting to not only to me, but to others. I would research ideas for countless hours and wouldn't come up with not even one idea. Now that I've taken this class, the only reason why I found it difficult was because I was making it difficult. There are endless amounts of interesting stories out there that are waiting to be written. For example, I am doing a research paper on social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, the soon-to-be-dead MySpace) and the psychological effects it has on us. Not because of any classes, it is a personal choice. I find that to be interesting, especially with the older generation joining sites like Facebook. It is amazing how the older generation, the generation who didn't grow up using computers, are online.

Even though I have a better understanding of the field, I think at this point, I may take a "detour" in my career path. Right now, with the economy the way it is and the fact the job market isn't very good, journalism isn't the way to go. As we all know, journalism is having a very hard time surviving because of the Internet (and the recession). But I am going to continue to write, after all, it is my favorite thing to do, especially after a long day at school and work. Studies shown it is a good way to relieve stress, especially if there is no one available to you. I write in a password-protected Word document that I write in on a daily (or almost daily) basis. Sometimes more if need be.

In the mean time, I am getting set to graduate from Inver Hills Community College next week!!!!!!! Whooooooo-hooooooooo!!!! (Sorry, I'm little excited.) I'm transferring to Saint Paul College, starting in January for Web Site Design. I thought I go into a program where people are needed, especially in this economy. I am starting my own little photography website. No, not Flickr or Slide but my own individual page with my own work. I'm hoping to get that online this week. If you want the link, feel free to e-mail me (kevinmjack@gmail.com). With the pushing from my photography instructor, I entered some of my work into a photography show for college students enrolled in a photography class. Should be interesting to see how far I go.

Maybe photojournalism is in my future??? Hmmmmm. Who knows.