Everyone always told me I should be a politician or a journalist.
Neither role had any appeal.
As someone who grew up in the social media age, I had seen how both professions
were seemingly losing the public’s trust. I wanted no part of them.
So, I guess it only made sense that I entered college as a psychology major and
graduated with a major in public relations — and then took a job at the New Jersey
State Chamber of Commerce, ignoring the fact that my favorite professor encouraged
me to be an investigative journalist.
It was great fun. I met three governors, three members of Congress, and countless
state legislators. I later took a role with a nonprofit, handling community relations, and
then jumped at the chance this spring to move to BINJE in a newly created role of
project manager.
There was an endless list of projects and duties. Journalist was not on it. I didn’t even
notice.
***
The most common question I get asked at networking events is this: “So, what do you
do in your new role?”
To me, it’s straightforward: Editor Tom Bergeron is juggling dozens of things each day
— including going to a bunch of events and writing a bunch of stories — so it’s my job to
handle “anything and everything else.”
When I told him I was going to a networking event sponsored by the Veterans Chamber,
he responded with a series of unusual questions.
“You know there will be a story there, right?” he said. “You know there are stories
everywhere, right? How would you like to be a journalist for a night?”
I was intrigued.
***
The first draft of my first story wasn’t good. And it certainly wasn’t journalism.
I had to learn to see things as a journalist, ask questions like a journalist — and write
like a journalist.
I loved it. And I see the world differently now.
A trip to Bordentown for a chocolate promotion? There’s a story there. Opening game
for the BlueClaws? There’s a story there. Young professionals networking night …
Gateway Chamber gala … nonprofit ribbon-cutting — there are stories everywhere.
What you’re reading now is story No. 7.
***
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on the wild ride that has been the last several years, it’s
this: don’t make plans, be willing to stray from your ideas and never turn down an
opportunity — especially if it’s one everyone has been leading you to all along.
There are enough roles in my day job to keep me busy — and I’m loving all of them.
But the best part of my job is when I get to add one more role: Journalist.
I’m not sure where it will take me. I just know I should have been listening to people the
whole time.
