New beginnings

“You’re going to starve.”

That is the reaction I get all the time when I let people know that I’m a journalism major.
Sure, I’ll probably have to survive on cheap noodles and thrift stores after I graduate, but I’ll be doing what I love. Losing pounds in the process seems like a bonus.

Joking aside, there were times where I started doubting I had made the right decision. I put off writing for a long time and started exploring other options.

I considered careers in criminal justice, law and business. I immediately discarded business when I realized it involved a lot of math and the other two options weren’t that appealing to me.  I was at a crossroad in my life. I kept thinking, “Should I pursue my passion or should I settle with financial security?” The answer was clear to me—journalism.

The doubts resurfaced when I began attending North Lake College. I had to pay tuition, books, bus passes, school supplies, etc. I started to think that it wouldn’t be worth it if I would have to struggle every month for the rest of my life.

My Journalism 1307 class changed everything. RJ Lane, a general sales manager at WBAP News/Talk 820, was a guest speaker in one of our classes. He talked about how he pursued his passion and ended being successful at it. He also explained that it wasn’t an easy road, but that persistence and enthusiasm kept him going. It eventually paid off.

It was the push I needed and things started falling into place. I became a News-Register staff writer and was eventually offered the editor-in-chief position. It’s a great honor but also a great responsibility and I will strive to maintain the outstanding work of former editors.

I am also open to comments, questions, suggestions or randomness from all students. You can e-mail me at: axhernandez@dcccd.edu. If you’re not into e-mails, then you can become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@NLCNewsRegister). You can also go to www.newsregisteronline.com. Don’t be shy and let your voice be heard.

I still get a lot of questions about my major, but not all of them are regarding the future status of my bank account. People ask me if I’m nervous about what’s coming ahead.

Am I nervous? Of course, but I am also really excited about this new stage in my life. After all, isn’t this how we feel at the start of something new?

—Alex Hernandez is editor-in-chief of the News-Register.