Why I chose journalism as my career?
Completing my inaugural year in journalism at Ryerson University has been an absolute revelation.
This decision has undeniably been the pinnacle of my life choices, and the passion it has ignited within me is unparalleled.
A Journey of Transformation:
The year that transpired since my admission to Ryerson's journalism program has been a transformative odyssey. Out of all the options available to me during my final year of high school, I chose journalism for profound reasons that I'm eager to share with you today.
The moment I received my acceptance was nothing short of extraordinary. Given the fervor surrounding early acceptances and the social pressure I was under, I had braced myself for potential disappointment. However, I was fortunate to be accepted, breaking free from the anxiety that had gripped me.
A Shift in Perspective:
Initially, the prospect of a gap year seemed like a looming possibility. Yet, amidst the flood of conditional offers from various universities and programs, I found myself at a crossroads of uncertainty. The applications had been driven by external expectations more than genuine aspirations.
As I delved into research about post-graduation opportunities and career prospects, a remarkable idea emerged—a concept that still sends shivers down my spine. This epiphany came as my family, though supportive, remained somewhat uncertain about the trajectory of a Bachelor of Arts graduate, yearning for my success while challenging the conventions of our Indian heritage.
Breaking the Mold: Indian Stigma and Career Choices:
The pressure to secure a better future for their children is a universal theme among parents, transcending cultural boundaries. This intrinsic desire to witness their offspring flourish fuels parental expectations across the board. Yet, it is the young adults who confront the overwhelming societal weight of aligning their careers with established norms rather than following their heart's desires.
In this milieu, one confronts the daunting task of succeeding in a predetermined field, meeting societal standards set during the transition to adulthood. These pressures—graduation, eleventh-hour major changes, and even the specter of dropping out—compel us to make decisions under significant duress.
My Path: Unveiling the Purpose of Journalism:
My journey of selecting a path in higher education brought forth the following realizations:
Ryerson School of Journalism had not yet seen a turbaned and bearded Sikh graduate, igniting a spark within me.
Mainstream media in North America had a dearth of Sikh representation, particularly those who could cater to the wider audience.
Media spaces were predominantly occupied by white, privileged men.
Journalism, like many professions, suffered from a lack of diversity.
The Sikh community's stories remained untold and misrepresented in mainstream media.
A Purposeful Choice:
My choice to study journalism is not a mere academic pursuit; it is a profound commitment to my identity. In a field where individuality is often subdued, my Sikh heritage has become my distinctive asset.
I aspire to be a torchbearer for generations to come, ensuring they do not encounter the hurdles that have often characterized fields dominated by a white majority. It is my aim to unveil the dissonance between Canada's celebrated multiculturalism and its often homogenous media environments.
Ultimately, I chose journalism because it harmonizes my love for writing, photography, and digital design into a cohesive whole. I am eager to wield these skills to propagate a powerful message about the urgency of diversity within Canadian media spaces.