Student journalists comment to becoming one

STUDENTS SPEAK UP: You heard the cacophony of veteran ink-strained wretches’ views last week.

The question they tussled with? Would they recommend journalism to young Latinas and Latinos yearning for a career that would give their lives substance and satisfaction?

Before I allowed the topic to detour to the comparative video capabilities of their mp3 players or cellular phone of choice, I broached the question to a trio of college students who are considering just such careers.in the Fourth Estate. (Okay, kids, where’s the Fourth Estate?)

As fellows with Hispanic Link News Service, all three are engaged in, or have just completed, their Washington experiences as reporters — emphasis print — covering the world’s most newsworthy city

Brushing aside media conglomeration, shrinking circulation and mass layoffs, here’s what they’re saying:

Mario Aguirre, Cal State Fullerton: “Reporting the news never gets old. It gives me fulfillment. Hispanics are at a premium now and we can take advantantage of that demand.”

Tracie Morales, University of Texas-Arlington: “As long as I see talented journalists such as Stella Chávez at The Dallas Morning News or Esmeralda Bermúdez at The Oregonian, I see a place for myself in this business. Not everyone has an opportunity to get an education, speak two languages, and have experiences that connect us as Hispanics.”

Adolfo Flores, Cal State Northridge: “Like everything else, journalism is what you make of it. It’s the only way I feel I can make a significant difference. I can’t imagine doing anything else,”

Reinforcements are on the way.

— Kay Bárbaro

For more, visit www.hispaniclink.org.