Lane DeGregory and her mystical powers can make anyone cry
Sophomore Jaden Amos was starstruck when she entered the Tampa Bay Times newsroom.
Since coming to college, and this semester especially, I have struggled with my future career plans. I am constantly changing my mind about what I want to do and which field I should be focusing on.
It seems like everyone around me knows exactly what their paths are, and I am just wandering around looking for something that will work for me. My short trip to St. Petersburg changed my life, and I finally think I’ve found my path.
After a workshop with digital tools reporter Ren LaForme at the Poynter Institute, I know I want to work in audience engagement.
In high school, I thought I was going to be the next Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. I would go to college, get a few amazing internships and then get my dream job at The New York Times. It seemed very simple and achievable.
I came to college and became very interested in public relations. I started taking classes and doing research, and then decided I was going to be the next big public relations executive at Edelman or FleishmanHillard. I work for the Indiana Daily Student and am a part of the Beth Wood Chapter of PRSSA. I am trying to juggle both an interest in public relations and journalism and have been desperate for a career that combines both.
Until this trip, it seemed like I was going to make a choice. I couldn’t do it all, and I wouldn’t have time to become an expert in both. If anyone asked me what I wanted to do when I graduated, I either made up an answer on the spot or lied.
After the audience engagement workshop, I realized there was a career that combined the two. I could work in audience engagement for a news organization and not have to choose a path.
I went into the trip with excitement but no expectations. I cried while visiting the Tampa Bay Times because I was so overwhelmed with excitement.
Finally, I found my path.
My visit to St. Petersburg was much more than expected, and I am grateful. I learned about my connection to Nelson Poynter, met some of the most knowledgeable journalists in the country and discovered my (potential) future career.
