One never really stops being a journalist

These past two days I have really thought about whether or not I could consider myself a journalist. I attended a presentation last night about a book on the UFW and Cesar Chavez. The presentation was given by a woman who considers herself a journalist and as someone who worked in the profession for 25 years.

Anyhow, the talk itself was interesting. I learned a little bit of history about the United Farm Worker movement and Chavez, which were both big topics for me in Monterey, Calif. as an education and crime reporter. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time because there was so much information being detailed that helped connect the pieces of my former job and region of the country.

After the talk there were 20 minutes for questions and answers, and I asked one about the backlash of the book and perhaps the reaction from the UFW and communities that were highlighted. I identified myself as a journalist first and asked the question. The author said she is not their favorite person right now.

Soon after we were dismissed a man from the talk came up and said, 'Oh, you are a journalist?' And I said, "Well, I worked as a journalist in that community until last year, but now I'm a student studying ministry and theology at BC." Then, he said, "Oh, I thought you said you were a journalist when you introduced yourself."

I left it at that and grabbed crackers to go. It was an awkward feeling having him dismiss the fact that I was not currently pursuing a major story or lead. I have done freelance journalism occasionally in Boston and I have a gig or two lined up post-graduation.

As a journalist you are taught to look at things differently and question everything. You develop a certain sense about people and you pursue the truth with a passion. That never leaves you. Being more than a year outside of daily journalism, I introduce myself as a journalist from time-to-time and that may never change.