From outsider to outstanding, I hope

I applied to the Robert W. Greene program on a complete whim. I have always had an itch for writing and I was never the girl to complain about the 600-word essay assigned in English class. I had shared my thoughts of becoming “the next Katie Couric” to a few of my friends, family, and teachers but I was unsure on how to make this dream a reality. If it wasn’t for Mrs. Ortiz, a teacher at my school with whom I have gradually grown close, I wouldn’t be at Stony Brook typing my first blog or writing my first article.

A week before the deadline, I filled out my application, wrote my essay, and sent in no attached work because I simply did not have any to show. Surprisingly, I am here today pushing the envelope and taking full advantage of every bit of advice being thrown at me. I need to prove to Professor Duffy and Professor Dowdy that the journalist they believe lives inside of me is starting to come out. It’s amazing that, all in one day, I have learned the basic structure and elements of a news story, utilized my skill and passion for photography with a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, and gained a new interest in film.

Three days ago, I was on the outside looking in. Three days ago, blogging seemed a little abnormal to me, kind of like I was venting to a computer screen — and I always thought that’s what friends were for. But the more I learn about journalism, the more I want to write down my thoughts. Things going through my head are the things I do want anybody and everybody to know because, otherwise, you’re kind of alone in this world and that is not what news is about. News connects the world.

Looks like I’m becoming a journalist after all.