Times are changing, and so are the needs for keeping abreast of current events and in journalism.
Right now, the media presents the world as one beat-up, broken-down place, and it just keeps getting worse and worse. Day in day out, we’re bombarded with reports on violence, terrorism and violations of human rights; it’s practically no wonder a number of us don’t care to read or watch the news. The human mind can only take so much negativity.
While it’s true that we really can’t escape the horrors of reality, we can still find something good a worthwhile in all the disheartening news. What we as humans need right now is not a sugar-coating of the news, nor do we need a cold, clinical treatment that takes the pathos out of tragedies. What we need right now is a manner of journalism that is not just reportage, but also a means to foster dialogue, reunite us with the things we value as people such as justice, kindness, and freedom, and to spur us into action to make a difference where it counts.
This is where the new blood comes in.
Millenials have been put under the microscope for a number of reasons, and this generation has come under fire for a number of reasons, whether deserved or otherwise. While it’s true that a number of Millenials’ habits have made the rest of the world very critical of how “seriously” they take life, this generation has also proven itself to be a more solid vanguard of matters that place the world on a precarious edge — climate change, social justice, human rights, and much more. This generation is one that refuses to be belittled, and has learned to create a life for themselves where earlier generations once simply found the concept laughable. This generation is driven, creative, self-sufficient, and passionate for what they deem important not just for themselves, but also for future generations.
As a number forward-thinkers, trailblazers, and creatives have said, the old guards have left the gates, and it’s now up to this generation to shape the new rules as justly and freely as we can. We do realize, too, that undertaking such a venture is not something we can do alone, but also something that people need to collaborate and contribute on to make it succeed. (Hence, is it no wonder that the words “crowdsource” and “friend-source” has become such a key term for the later aughts?) We all recognize each other’s potential, talent, and vision, and see how working together cohesively can make amazing things happen.
Now, with such a generation like this, imagine what the next crop of journalists are going to be like. Exciting? you bet. This new blood may have the fervor and the direction; give them the right tools, and they will become a formidable force in journalism that will do nothing short of shaking foundations and making changes where they matter.
This is where The Open School of Journalism comes in. This school understands not only the deep social relevance a journalist undertakes in such a profession, but also means to arm its students in the skills they need to truly make crafting a story count. The flexible learning schedule and open-source online platform is a perfect fit for professionals young and old seeking to enhance their skills while living life. Their combination of a well-thought theoretical didactic learning and practical application place the skills these future journalists need well within their grasp. This form of education is truly one of the best ways millenials can build themselves up to be the changers the world needs.
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