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1/ ok so today is my 22nd birthday. I have this account so I want to just talk about being 21, being 22 and journalism.
I know it's a lot to share, but I just think it might be helpful to someone. Just a warning I talk about some v serious stuff.
I know it's a lot to share, but I just think it might be helpful to someone. Just a warning I talk about some v serious stuff.
2/ Being 21 was the worst year of my life. On top of the pandemic happening, my brother died very young and unexpectedly. I lost a lot of friends for a variety of reasons.
I struggle with mental health issues and there were so many days I did not think I would make it to 22.
I struggle with mental health issues and there were so many days I did not think I would make it to 22.
3/ I have struggled a lot in college and last year, especially when it comes to my journalism career.
I have been denied by almost every major news org in the country (including npr) multiple times. I have compared myself to my classmates and friends.
I have been denied by almost every major news org in the country (including npr) multiple times. I have compared myself to my classmates and friends.
4/ I'm sure some of you who follow this account compare yourselves to npr interns, and I know it's hard but I am asking you to stop.
your path is different from mine. I can't tell you how many times I have CRIED because I didn't get an internship at ___.
your path is different from mine. I can't tell you how many times I have CRIED because I didn't get an internship at ___.
5/ Being young is really hard and confusing.
I do not have it all figured out. I wish I would've spent more of being 18, 19, 20 and 21 being proud of where I was and just being excited to learn.
I spent SO MUCH of that time hating myself because of where I was career-wise.
I do not have it all figured out. I wish I would've spent more of being 18, 19, 20 and 21 being proud of where I was and just being excited to learn.
I spent SO MUCH of that time hating myself because of where I was career-wise.
6/ If I could be 21 again, honestly I would just be nicer to myself.
I nEVER thought I would be an NPR intern. I never thought I would have the friends I have now or the experiences I've been so lucky to have.
I nEVER thought I would be an NPR intern. I never thought I would have the friends I have now or the experiences I've been so lucky to have.
7/ so basically for my 22nd birthday, I am asking all your journalists, of all ages really, to stop comparing yourself to everyone around you.
other journalists are not your competition. we must be a community that uplifts one another.
other journalists are not your competition. we must be a community that uplifts one another.
8/ If you are struggling at whatever age you are now, this doesn't mean you'll struggle in the future.
just because you don't work at a certain outlet doesn't mean you aren't great. it doesn't mean you won't be successful.
just because you don't work at a certain outlet doesn't mean you aren't great. it doesn't mean you won't be successful.
