USF Journalism Panel

Ten USF graduates sat before 50 aspiring Journalists on Tuesday the 16th ready to answer questions and give all the advice they could. Vicky Nguyen, class of 2000 graduate and current reporter for NBC 11, told current USF students there will always a place for a Journalist. Other panelist had similar advice and positive energy towards the audience.

Among the panelist was 2001 graduate Myra Sandoval, 27. As the current Copy Writer for The GAP, Myra proves that despite a convergence and bloggers, Journalists still have a place in this world. Prior to this job, Myra worked for Bay Area magazine as the Assistant Editor. This job was taking over her life, Myra said. A remark echoed in other panelists.

Jennifer Jolly, class of 1993, also expressed how much a job in Journalism could interfere with one’s personal life. There were times when she could not spend enough time with her child, Jennifer said. However, she like many others also commented on the exhilaration and addiction to the Journalism industry.

Several of the Journalist, particularly on-air Reporters, expressed how much a person has to be willing to give up, Jennifer Jolly moved eight times in five years, 2000 graduate Toan Lam spent holidays away from his family, but nearly every single panelist said that if you have enough passion for it, everything is worth it.

Nearly every single panelist stressed the importance of internships, connections, passion, and the blog. Panelist included the aforementioned alumni as well as, Tanning Su Hu, a very comedic Tiffany Maleshefski, Kent German, and Jessica Dyrden Cook.

Perhaps the most powerful words came from Toan Lam. While young hopefuls asked him and his colleagues, he asked students in the audience “Are you willing to be broke? Do you love it? Do you want it?” His words impacted the audience more, because instead of telling students what they should be doing he suggested that students listen to themselves before they dive into their careers.