Recently I had the pleasure of doing a one on one telephone interview with Cynthia Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. As an aspiring female journalist, I found Tucker to be a great inspiration. Sure her opinion column can tend to be quite controversial, but the story behind the lady is one that should inspire.
At the time that Tucker came into journalism there were not many women working in the field, much less African-American women. She was lucky enough to be hired on at the Atlanta Journal straight out of college. She was hired under affirmative action. The editor actually suspended rules to hire her because he saw the potential that she had.
I asked Tucker if she found it difficult both then and now to be taken seriously as a woman in the field of journalism. She said definitely, in 1976 when she began her career, but things have changed immensely now. Even the editor of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is a woman by the name of Julia Wallace.
The changes this world has seen over the past 50 years should make all people think and be grateful for the opportunities that young people are given.
Tucker, no matter if you agree with the things that she writes in her column, should be an inspiration to all aspiring female journalists. Whether one wants to go into journalism or any other male-dominated profession, she is proof that it can be done, and successfully I might add.
When I asked her what advice she could give me about preparing myself for going into the field of broadcast journalism she simply said, "Any broadcast journalist should be up on current events. It is best to know how to write as well, be well-rounded." Then she gave me some examples of news magazines and broadcasts that I should look into.
Tucker took time out of her busy schedule to speak to an up and coming journalist simply because she cared enough to want to help, if she could, and for that I am very thankful.
I think that as students here at Georgia Highlands College we should reach for our dreams and should send an e-mail to a professional in our field of study. You just might find the inspiration you need to work harder to achieve your goals.
