In her last semester at Loyola University Chicago and as editor-in-chief of The Loyola Phoenix, Nicky Andrews reflects on her time as she begins to apply for post-grad jobs.
This past week I started applying to jobs for after graduation. After hearing of my peers’ jobs that are already set in stone, the stress of securing a stable position has been on the forefront of my mind.
Over these past couple years, I’ve been told that I’m heading into a dying industry. A phrase that always was said with a level of urgency to jump ship and swim for safety while I can. While I can admit to questioning my career choice a number of times, especially when I see weekly tweets of reporters announcing they were a part of the newest wave of layoffs, I always come back to the fundamental reasons why I chose to pursue journalism in the first place.
Not only do I have an immense amount of passion in connecting with my local community and their concerns, but I have always viewed communication and transparency as a necessity to a strongly functional society.
Residents deserve the right to know of the happenings in their neighborhood, city, state and country. Whether the news be considered good or bad, strong journalism reflects the complex nature of life of which everyone should be aware.
It’s a tool for social change, historical documentation, community awareness and education. Journalism is how populations understand themselves and one another.
So, while I may not earn as much as my peers or have the comfort of job security, I will know at the end of the day, I will be working to preserve a societal necessity — something I hope others soon start to believe as well.
In this Valentine’s Day issue, check out coverage on page seven for how to date and dine in Loyola’s dining halls. Then head to the sports section on page 13 to read about how Nora Wollen works to perfect her nail art as well as beat her track records.
Featured image by Austin Hojdar | The Phoenix
