Becoming a Journalist

When I was younger I never knew what I wanted to be. I was constantly changing my mind from a dancer to a singer to an actor. A journalist never came into mind. I've never cared about the money, it was always how quickly people would know my name. That's what I wanted - to become famous.

Although this was my passion all those years ago. I think secretly, I always knew I wanted to become a journalist. During my A-Levels, the only journalism related course I did was English, and that was because I liked stories. I think my teachers realised I was going down the wrong career path before I did. I was constantly asking them questions about their facts and where they got their information from, as well as finding things out to point out where their argument was flawed. They would always respond: "Becca, stop being a journalist. You're here to learn!" But I wasn't being a journalist, I was only trying to make sure that what they was telling us was backed up with facts. That's when it hit me. I did't care about becoming famous, or being an actor or any of those other careers. I just wanted to make sure people knew they were getting the truth from higher figures. Maybe they was right, maybe I was being a little journalist.

I spent my free time writing up my own personal blog (the site closed down and took all my work with it, and to this day I'm still sad about it- even though it was probably terrible!) about news and celebrities. I used it as a stepping stone to get into university. Turns out I didn't need it. But now I have a new blog that I do need, so I guess it was handy to start writing in the beginning.

Skipping ahead a few months I got the grades I needed to get into Northampton University and was so happy. I mean me, Rebecca Pritchard, was going to become a journalist. ME!!?? I mean obviously I'm going to contribute to the student aspect as well - I think I've contributed a bit too much but I'll save that story for a different post.  The people I met were different to what I was normally used to. I mean coming from London to Northampton, I'm sure you can do the maths on that yourself. All in all, One year later they're probably the most random bunch of people that has been put together but we work.

I was pretty much thrown in the deep end when I started. Everyone was almost ahead of the game and I was still at the starting line. Some knew people who worked in the industry, others have already done things for the industry. What could I really say with all of that?  "I run a blog...kinda? " Not the best impression is it. But now, I'm sure we are all at the same place - hopefully.

Training to become a journalist is probably one of the best things I've done in my 19 years of living. I've met some amazing people trying to get into the industry, some amazing people in the industry and also used some pretty cool equipment. I mean the TV studio is pretty cool too, but I'd rather shoot and edit than be on the actual telly. (Oh how my original idea changed aye?) But for now I'm still learning. I'm only in my second year but I have already worked at a newspaper so I guess I'm moving up in the world. I'll never forget the first piece of footage I had to shoot. It was terrible, I was in it! But it was a good laugh and a learning curve. I guess I can become a journalist if I try hard enough.

Take a look at the first piece to camera I ever did: