One thing I have found that I enjoy immersing myself in is the intricacies of government and politics. When I was a little girl, my paternal grandfather was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 29. Thus, politics surrounded me and was something I was spoon-fed on a near daily basis. I found it fascinating listening to him discuss everything from the voting and lawmaking process to attending formal galas and hobnobbing with South Carolina’s elite political upper crust. I looked on in awe at the sheer seriousness of the process and was amazed at the changes he was able to bring about for the betterment of his constituents and the state of South Carolina, collectively.

Last year, when I was given the opportunity to experience this process on a national level, I jumped at the opportunity to spend a prodigious five days in Washington, D.C. During my time in D.C., I had the privilege of visiting some of the nation’s most famous and distinguished monuments, museums, and gravesites, as well as attending the inauguration of the 45^th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. However, the most exciting part of everything I was fortunate enough to witness was the idea that even though there was much divisiveness and outrage, witnessing our capital and all its splendor filled me with a sense of pride and fervent patriotism.

Although I had to leave Washington behind, I love to keep abreast with the happenings there with daily doses from The Washington Post. I feel it is our duty as American citizens to keep our finger on the pulse of the most powerful city in the most powerful country in the world. This city breathes politics and is a hub of essential information.

This is why I feel journalism and broadcasting are so very important, and something that I feel may be a part of my destiny. It is my sincere opinion that broadcasting is one of the most significant jobs in today’s society. Without broadcasters with integrity, without honest, truthful information, the people of the United States are in danger of making choices that they are ill equipped to make. As stated in the slogan of the Washington Post, Democracy truly does die in darkness. Without broadcasters bringing those shadows and all they entail to light, the United States would truly be just that – a Democracy lost in the shadows of darkness.

Something that honestly infuriates me is the fact that there are unscrupulous media outlets who distort facts and ideas to fit a narrative being pushed by organizations who may not have the welfare of the public-at-large at stake. Freedom of speech is a right guaranteed to us in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, but blatant distortion of the truth, while professing to inform John Q. Public, is not a laudable attribute that should be ascribed to a profession that should exude honesty and trustworthiness.

Some may say that I think more along the lines of ideals rather than ideas, but I am genuinely moved by the inclination that I should make an impact on the world, and what better legacy to leave behind than one of honesty and integrity. Remember, change begins with one person. What that one person does, says, or hears can leave a remarkable impact on the beliefs of a whole. Why should that person not be me?