Success Story: The Sports Journalist
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Ever since I was a little girl I have loved sports. Baseball was my first love, which spurred my adoration for basketball, football, and hockey. I have also always had a talent for writing. When I was in high school trying to decide on a career path, my mom suggested I become a sports journalist and the rest is history.
Considering we weren’t rich, I started my college career at my local community college. This gave me time to get used to college life and save money for transferring to a university. Since high school, my dream college had been San Diego State University. Luckily for me, they have a very highly rated journalism school at SDSU. I attended community college for three years and then was blessed in being able to transfer to my dream school. I will treasure being an Aztec for the rest of my life. Just because I got into my dream school does not mean it was easy by any means.
Since I was little, I have always been an anxious, shy person. I always thought it was just the fact that I’m a Scorpio, but once I suffered my first anxiety attack during my first year of college, I knew it was something more. I have been diagnosed with a severe anxiety disorder and have to take medicine every day to help myself get through it.
This made attending a university incredibly hard, but I refused to let it stop me from achieving my dreams.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Media Studies this past May. It was by no means simple, but I did it, and looking at my degree reminds me of all I went through. Of course, there were 1,000 times during school that I wanted to just give up and go home, but I didn’t. I was the first one in my family to graduate from college, all while suffering from crippling anxiety and being super broke.
I am a perfect example that you can become whatever you want to be no matter the circumstances. I am a sports journalist – I’m never going to be rich and I know that. Yet, I am doing something I love and that is all the matters because it means I will never work a day in my life. I am now doing freelance articles and looking for the perfect sports journalist job here in the Bay Area. No matter how many bumps you see down the road ahead of you, slow down and enjoy the ride, because you will get to your destination in one piece.
The classes are cheaper, they help you get used to what college classes are like, and it gives you time to think about what you want to do with your life.
Think about something you absolutely love (for me it was sports). Then think of something you are really talented at (for me it was writing). Combine those two things and see if you can make a career out of it. For example: you love fashion and have a talent for drawing… become a fashion designer!
I would have been devastated if I had not been able to attend SDSU and their journalism program. My heart was set on becoming an Aztec. I was obsessive over making sure I met all the requirements to get into SDSU. This may seem ridiculous, but this method helped me get into an school with a very low acceptance rate.
Meet with counselors, make sure the classes you are taking will help you get into your intended major at your university. Going to my dream school helped me feel comfortable when I got there and made me want to finish and obtain my degree. Pride can have a bigger impact than you imagine. If you don’t love where you are and your surroundings, you’ll be less motivated.
This will give you “Clips” as we call them in the journalism world. Having a hefty resume before even graduating looks amazing to future employers. Plus, one of those internships could turn into a job once you get your degree.
I know it’s easier said than done, trust me. My anxiety made me want to quit at least once a week. My shyness was not thrilled about interviewing people on-camera right off the streets in Downtown San Diego for a class assignment. But, I did it.
College taught me that I can literally get through and accomplish anything. Reading the syllabus at the beginning of the semester would set me into a panic, but I didn’t just skip class – I was there everyday to push myself.
My name is Becca. I am from Napa Valley in the Bay Area of California. My love of the Oakland A’s, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, and San Jose Sharks sparked my career in sports writing. I am a very proud SDSU Aztec for Life. I am currently doing freelance journalism articles. In my spare time, I attend concerts and buy too much makeup. I am also way too obsessed with Niall Horan.
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