I had a different start in journalism than others. When I first started at Lamar, I was majoring in forensic chemistry, remaining oblivious to what the University Press was. I had the plan of becoming a forensic scientist working in a major city — at least that’s what I thought when I was 17.
The problem was, I didn’t enjoy forensic chemistry. There’s a lyric in Billy Joel’s “Vienna” where he sings, “Slow down, you’re doing fine,” that flipped a switch. I thought, no, I was not doing fine. I needed to make a switch.
I got involved with journalism in 2023 when I started writing occasionally for a motorsports publication. I got to interview Georgia Henneberry, an INDYCAR reporter, about her journey as a journalist. That was the spark for me to pursue communications.
In Spring 2024, I was officially taking courses for my new major. I was adjusting to being around new people and a new environment. The following semester, I took Media Writing, learning all the basics of journalism. I was nervous to conduct an interview but ready for the challenge.
My teacher obviously saw something in me and sent me to see Maddie Sims, the UP editor at the time, where I was assigned a story. I started writing for the UP and I never looked back.
I took any opportunity I could get, writing about any topic I was given. There would be occasions when I would be writing multiple stories at the same time. It was overwhelming, but it was something I enjoyed.
While I stopped writing about motorsports because I got so busy with the UP, I would still watch F1 on most weekends. My adviser mentioned I could write an F1 season preview. I was almost certain that a career in motorsports journalism was going to be my focus.
Before the semester ended, I was told to look for stories during the summer break — so I did. The band, West 22nd, had just released their debut album and was embarking on their first nationwide tour. I got to meet them after the concert, and thought, “Why don’t I ask to interview them?”
I met their manager and took the chance to ask. I was scared he would say no. Instead, he asked me what it would be about and where I went to school. He gave me his contact information, and a few days later, I reached out to set up the interview.
I was nervous but felt prepared because of my experience with the UP. It was such a rewarding experience learning more about West 22nd, from their experience as college students in a band, to post-graduate life and what was next. This was the moment when I saw a possible future in music journalism.
I’ve had moments where I’ve questioned whether or not I had the ability to be a journalist. There are quick turnarounds for stories that require someone to be fast-paced and to think on the spot. These skills were put to the test this past March at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association in Denton.
I was nervous about competing against other schools from the state. I competed in Live Spanish News Writing, and although Spanish is my first language, I hardly speak it outside of my home, much less write it. I doubted I could do a good job. I pushed that doubt to the side, calling on my journalistic and Spanish knowledge to write the best I could. I placed third overall, a shocking moment to myself.
At the UP, I had the chance to start translating my stories into Spanish, but TIPA gave me insight into the real-world. All the doubts escaped me as I thought to myself, “Maybe I should become a Spanish journalist?”
I may not know exactly what field I’m going into, but I do know one thing — the UP changed my life. Before, I was too shy, hardly ever striking up conversations with new people. Now, shyness has been replaced with curiosity, wanting to know more about anything and everything.
My major wasn’t the only change during my time at Lamar — I changed. The UP has given me opportunities that never crossed my mind. I leave with many lessons and experiences learned. I’ll close this chapter, eagerly awaiting the next.
If you are unsure what you want to do with your major, try writing for the UP. Take the chance, even if you are scared. You may find a new you waiting to flourish.