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The Stress And Anxiety Of A Reporter
By cathy
Every long journey must face its consequential end - and so it is with the career of reporter. The journalistic odyssey of every reporter must eventually reach the end point... the last report from the field. The long years of tedious work in covering beats, going to different places, meeting different personalities and dignitaries – all these have induced and anxiety even on the most hardiest news reporter.
As a reporter, a part of me rejoices while another part laments. It is really a difficult to swim in the polluted waters of politics and treacherous waters of truth-telling. However, with a deep sense of integrity and love for work, I managed to keep my head above the water. Eating death threats for breakfast, averting every danger while covering rally dispersals, and rendering more than the usual regular work hour just to substantiate and give justice to the news that people read and need. The and anxiety challenged not only my physical strength but also the stability of my emotions, and my commitment to the principles of journalism.
Amidst all the challenges of journalism, I always found strength in God who is the Truth. Taking the long, arduous road to the factual truth was truly worth it. It is not everyday that a news item can enlighten the masses to the point of inspiring them to take action. All the and anxiety of the work seemed to be of little importance compared to the fulfillment of having brought to the people the information they need.
Quite frankly, I went through heaven and hell just to find my own place in the competitive world of journalism. I, too, had to make sacrifices in terms of time and energy just to fulfill my calling. Like every journalist who tried to maintain integrity in work – I, too, had to tread my own via dolorosa – my road to suffering. Chasing one scoop after another, haggling to get the best shot and the most exclusive interviews among the Who's Who --- it was expected that I would sooner or later slow down due to and anxiety.
Many times, I have contemplated about my worthiness to be a reporter. Modesty aside, my journalistic record already shows that I have what I takes to see my articles in print. Perhaps, like my fellow writers who have finished the struggle before me --- I, too, have earned my right...to have a place in this world.
Admittedly,
there were times when I fell due to self-doubt and envy. But something
within me gave me reassurance that I could stand together with the
best of them --- if I could only stop comparing myself to others. Thankfully,
I learned that being a reporter...being a writer is such a solitary
work. In the same manner, I should also learn to judge my own work
--- motivated not by the need to belong or to get approval from others,
but for the sheer love of the craft and the desire for continuous self-improvement
as a writer and journalist.
My experiences as a writer-reporter
reminds me of the story about a man who found favor in the eyes of
God. An angel of the Lord appeared to the man and said that he can
have three wishes. The only catch was that whatever he wishes for,
his neighbor will be granted twice of what he wished for. In reverent
awe, the man fell on his knees and thanked the Lord for the blessing
he has received. He first wished to have 1,000 heads of cow, and in
effect, his neighbor received 2,000. His second wish was for a son,
and subsequently his neighbor had twins. In a sudden bout of envy,
he asked the Lord to gouge out his left eye so that his neighbor would
lose both eyes. The angel of God was saddened by his wish and never
granted the last request. Indeed, man must never fall into the trap
of envy. Instead, we must strive for excellence while wishing good
for our fellowmen.
As a reporter, and anxiety will always be present and should be treated as part and
parcel of being a journalist. In summary, a reporter-writer must not only search
after the truth. He must also be a force for good.
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