Blogging cannot be so bad, after all

As a journalism student I have felt apprehensive to the idea of blogging, although it is a big part of the media world. I have though of it as being a medium through with people complain, share irrelevant details of their life to the outside world, which will probably not be read by anyone. As you can see, one of the aims of this blog is to be truthful. I have thought of blogging as being almost like an “agony aunt” page. However, through learning about blogging with lecturers’ who have read and searched them extensively, I have learnt that a lot of blogs are substantial, and not all are “funeral blogs”. As a result of looking at the different blogs I realise that a blog should be something interesting, and while portraying what I would like to write, that I should also think of my audience. Journalism students at Rhodes, around the world, and students wanting to study Journalism would enjoy this blog. Journalism has really stretched me, and I am constantly learning more. Not just about the subject, but myself. With this course on blogging, we are able to explore these intertwined elements, and put it down for all to see. It is a liberating feeling, telling others how you feel. Being a Journalism student has opened up my eyes to more media, and to meeting and learning about very interesting people. I really would not choose any other course, as I get such a fulfilment from what I take away from it. In the beginning of the year it felt so glamorous saying that I wanted to be a Journalist. I just expected things to fall into my lap. With the work experience I expected to get out there with no time in an office at all and to make a name for myself and for everyone to participate positively in interviews. However, I have since found out that Journalism is hard work. “Tippy toeing” is an acquired skill in the Journalistic world, as well as persistence, especially with sources and interviews. Learning how to work with people and to be objective is a must in this field and has been repeated in all of our courses this term. I have tried to maintain that standard since day one, and as a result I have found that my writing has become more professional. This course on blogging has come at a perfect time, the end of the year. We can sit back and look at our performance throughout this year like a person observing a colourful, eventful play, at the end of which you take away an important message. This reflection has opened my eyes to what I have done throughout this year, and a sense of pride and happiness flows through me, thinking of the obstacles overcome. Blogging cannot be so bad, after all.