Coming up through the convergence sequence at the Missouri School of Journalism, we often talked about the realities of being a jack of all trades. Backpack journalism is possible, yes. In fact, a group of my peers just spent two weeks in Vancouver covering the Olympics with little more than an iPhone – something that would have been impossible when I was in Beijing just eighteen months ago.
But it’s hard to be good at everything. As a multimedia journalist, you’re expected to be able to write stories, shoot video, edit audio, take photographs, code websites… the list goes on and on. I can do all of those things, but I’m better at some than others. The same is true in life. The pressure to be a good daughter, journalist, dog owner, student, friend, blogger, girlfriend, teaching assistant, etc., constantly pulls me in different directions, and sometimes it’s too much.
That would be this week. So here’s where you’ll find me directing my time and energy this week:
Daughter – My mom turned 55 last week, and I drove home (two hours) to eat dinner with her (two hours) and drive back (two hours). I’ve hardly seen my family in the last two months, and come hell or high water, I’m leaving town on Thursday to spend a weekend with my parents.
Girlfriend – My boyfriend’s birthday is this week. There will be steak. I won’t talk about journalism once during dinner. I will enjoy myself. I won’t feel guilty for not studying.
Student – I have two major papers and at least six big assignments due in the coming weeks, not to mention all the daily and weekly work – blog posts, readings questions, etc. I’ll be focusing my energy on the former, not the latter. Now isn’t the time to sweat the small stuff.
Friend - I will be a shoulder to cry on if anyone needs it. I will not feel guilty about not extending my help to a friend who waited until the last minute to ask for it.
Journalist – “Under the Microscope” will be on hiatus this week and next while KBIA runs its semi-annual pledge drive. (If you listen to public radio and are fiscally able to do so, please consider a donation.) I will anchor on Tuesdays, as always. I will not take on additional projects.
Dog owner – Kingsley is well-fed and well-loved, always, but I can tell you right now there are no trips to the dog park planned in the near future.
Teaching assistant – After grading 85 tests in one weekend, I will not be picking up a red pen again any time soon.
Blogger – Check out KBIA Science or Mizzou Talks Multimedia Design for updates, because you won’t be getting any here. Or, feel free to check out my recently-added clips if you’re in need of some reading material.
