WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN U GROW UP?

When I was 7 I was asked this question and my answer would be the common three answers not in particular order - police, soldier and doctor.

I just said it for the sake of it. Never meant it even a bit. Just say it because everyone does.

The same question posed to me when I was 8 and 9 and 10. The WANT TO BE changes every time the question asked.

The last three answers I gave to the teacher when asked this question if I'm not mistaken were an astronomer, archaeologist and an engineer.

But at the end of the day I turned up to be a journalist. I think it is as close as being archaeologist because I wanted to become an archaeologist so bad. Love the part of solving the mystery, the adventure of uncovering the hidden treasure, the history of old age and last but not least the sense of freedom.

I guess thats how I ended being in crime desk for more than three years now.

I was actually never really want to do it.

I remember the first time I was interviewed by my editor. The first thing he asked was, what do I like to cover.

I told him arts. Anything to do with performing arts because I love arts. He asked why not politics. I told him it was too dirty and I have no interest in it. He lectured me about politics and told me even that I do not like it, I need to know and keep myself alert all the time on the country's political situation and also the current news.

Did not really bother at first. I just nod pretending that I understand what he said while i was not. hah! the art of pretending. ahahahaha.

But I do know that I love my job.

Im not saying im old hah! But I somehow realised that younger generation, most of them do not really understand why they becoming a journalist in the first place.

Or what they trying to achieve or what do they really sees in their work and to make a good use of the opportunity given to them to actually open up a bigger opportunity for themselves.

Or let others see their potential in not only absorbing knowledge but also developing their skills in becoming a good journalist.

I’m not saying I know either ahahaha but I do know I want this. I want to be here. There's always a room for improvement and welcome it all the time.

Im going to say something here which others may not agree. But this is solely my opinion and based on my observation with what I hear and sees around me.

I started as a rookie.Was ready to learn and take all the knowledge I can get. Thought I could go in deep depression and thought I would get heart attack and high blood pressure when I was under the tutelage of my former boss Lionel. Well not many would agree with me but to me he's a very good boss. Hard as nails.

Often I wanted to change desk. Told them wanted to change to sports or back to news. Started with news desk before being lend to crime desk and stayed there when the head decided to keep me.

And my hunger for news got me on the feet all the time. Tired? Cant described how tired I was. I can only say this- I would fall asleep as soon as I hit the pillow.

Now days what I see is the young ones have no passion.

They do not really see it in a bigger picture.

Wanting an easy way.

What is it that you want young ones. A short story with a door gift? or a piece of an article that you put your hard work in it and be good because you get it done and get it delivered as how the boss expected.

At the end of the day its the self satisfaction. I think when one do not really get the result as how they want it or giving them the good feeling as how they expect it. I think they should start asking themselves what do they want in their lives.

This is my humble opinion.

Here it is, I think if one did not show that they are good at what they are doing, how would other entrusted them with other things? If all you think of is just processing press releases and be in an air conditioned room all the time might as well you become a typist or just a copy writer.

And I do think, when you are young this is the time where you work harder to make full use of the energy you have to show that you are fit to be in this line.

After all being a journalist means you have to have stay hungry for news. You would want more and more.

Oh mind what others say or mind what your rival might say.

Its not their expectation you need to be concerned about its your bosses, and most importantly yourself.

If you stop being hungry and stop learning and stop improving then might as well stop living.

I do think if one work hard enough, people will notice. You will be rewarded for your hard work. The time will come where you would reap the fruit of your labour.. it will come...and when it does...you would look back and say...ahh..what a long way..what an experience...and you would be smiling...

This is something I need to remind myself constantly.

We do not always get what we want but make full use of the opportunity given to us and stay hungry all the time.

cheerss!!