Journalism. Why?

For as long as I can remember, one common question comes up when I tell people I studied journalism: "Why?"

These people bring up the concerns of the field being highly competitive and how the pay isn't the best. Let's face it, there are plenty of jobs that offer better pay while not being as stressful as a journalist can be.

They're not even mentioning the long hours - sometimes demanding - the job can be to get a story in before deadline.

Let's not even consider the notion of how immediate people want, and can get, the news. Going through websites like Facebook or Twitter, or a quick search in Google, people can find out what happens shortly after an event occurred.

With information at our fingertips, people don't need to wait for the evening news or tomorrow's paper, as it is almost old news. This is why the newspaper has been a dying media for years, as they continue to enhance the online versions of their papers.

There are a plethora of reasons to be concerned about the profession. While they are valid reasons, people who choose the profession do not choose it for the money, or job security.

In fact, question a room full of journalists and I'm sure you'll get different answers. Just like in any profession, there are a multitude of reasons people choose their his or her career path.

For me, I didn't intend to even study journalism when I enrolled at Appalachian State in 2004. I had dreams, and aspirations, of one day having my own radio show for ESPN. I think a lot of people have that dream.

I joined the school paper, The Appalachian, the following semester that led me to changing my major after one year on campus. The rest, as they say, is history.

Why though? Well for those that don't know me personally, I find that I'm much better at writing than I am talking. If you know me, I'm sure that got a laugh out of you.

Simply, I've always had a knack for writing, as it just comes naturally to me. I once jokingly called myself a "procrastinative writer." I've just always had a tendency to wait until the last minute to get something written: an essay, term paper or E-mail. I actually enjoy the pressure of the last minute to get something done in time. It's an adrenaline rush.

But, it doesn't explain my enjoyment of journalism to you. What I've explained is just someone who enjoys writing. What made journalism for me?

Since I was a child, I played whatever sport was in season. My parents would routinely take me to whatever gym, soccer field, or baseball diamond I was set the play on. As I grew older, I knew I wasn't the biggest to keep playing (nor not the best) so I looked for the next best thing. It's where the idea of one day working for a company like ESPN came from.

As I started to work at The Appalachian I began to notice a joy I had in retelling a story for people who weren't at what I covered. Not to sound too dramatic, but I aimed to write a story to allow people to be there if they weren't. I viewed it as I was painting a picture, for the reader,, with words.

I wanted to inform and entertain (if possible), the reader on whatever I was covering. It didn't matter if it was the recent football game, or one of the many club sports that were found across campus.

While that is a big reason why I fell in love with the profession, it's definitely not the biggest. One thing an aspiring journalist learns early on is the importance of their name. It's especially important when that's the primary way people will be able to recognize you.

You're not standing in front of a camera, or present at the time someone reads your article. In a world where the "fake news" trend is strong, your name is your last line of defense. In essence journalists live and die by their name and reputation.

This why you make sure all facts are straight, and everything lines up in a story you write. Just like in any form of media, people have a tendency to believe what they see. Even if there is a mistake, and a story is corrected, the damage may already be done.

It's why I believe the saying, "The pen is mightier than the sword" has a strong meaning in the world of journalism.

Thinking back on when I first chose to pursue the degree to now, the answer is definitely easier to explain.

Yes, the pay isn't great and the job can be stressful. For me it's simple. I enjoy retelling a story to put the reader at the event with me. I value my name and know it's the deciding factor in what can make or break me. It's a challenge you undertake with every story you write. It's one I throughly enjoy.

The bonus is the need to meet deadlines that are placed. I'm not procrastinating towards these deadlines, which make it much more enjoyable.