Being A Campus Journalist

Why cry over spilt milk ? Why add fuel to the fire ? Why add kilos to the baggage? Why do this that.... Cutting short, I mean c’mon guys. The results by now are carefully laminated and filed, the cut-offs are pinned to the bulletin board. For some, it has a great hunt, for others a bad season. But nevertheless, what has happened cannot be undone. So why not hang your boots now and slip in the flip-flops for your new season, in a new land ? And, tell me why sit in a corner and slog for the next 4 years over “kaash padh liye hote”.

So here I am, your messiah, to divert your attention from the college admission process and give you an insight on what it is to be a Campus Journalist for click4college Education. Here you go:

Routine:  Every week, the 8 CJs usurp the “exceptionally cold” room of the Boss where water ceases to flow out from the bottle. Or in a cubicle where the ceiling is decorated with beautiful posters! The editor of the week gives a closing speech, commends the work done all the CJs and presents the exceptionally high telephone bill testifying the number of calls one had to make to collect the write-ups. But its no big deal ! Like I said, inspiration striking time varies every week. Then, the next editor is elected, who carefully checks and rechecks the calendar. The floor is then open to suggestions. Keeping the event of the week in mind, the topic is decided and so is the “title”. The CJs volunteer to bombard their anger and express their gratitude on the sub - topics and voila, the work is done. However, the editor of the week has to sit in the office for long to edit the exceeding write-ups and design the whole text of the page. Trust me, it is a very difficult job to chop short write-ups. Chopping meat seems easier ! Once done with it, the photo shoot takes place in different locations. Some CJs are particular about their looks so they race to the ladies room and blah blah blah. However, three carefree CJs enjoy the momentary silence/peace that is disrupted with the “Oh I am having a bad hair day” quotes.

How We Feel Special: While walking down the college gate for an interview, when you hear someone call out your name and laud the work you do. It does make you feel special ! Thats one great perk of being a Campus Journalist. Word of Caution: Sometimes students do come and make you feel miserable by saying that they could have done a better job. (never happened with me though)

Lunch, Lunch, Lunch: Every week we are treated with scrumptious lunch, that we all eat in the canteen. Some day, the lunch is finger licking and some day, you are forced to cross the road and lick your fingers in KFC. But, nevertheless, it is a great way to socialize and meet, interact with intellectuals and journalists in the office.

Lets Try to Write Okay?: The work that we as CJs have to do is to write and submit on time. Deadlines, are exceptionally important. Thursday night, the writes-ups should reach! Though, no one has been late beyond an acceptable level but still there are dreadful times when inspiration just doesn’t strike, the perfect starting remains a wish and a worth an ovation ending transforms into one worth sleeping after reading! Moreover, we get to visit to colleges and talk to people, canteen guys, college guards and at times turned down from entering a college. But thats just a slice of a regular day in the lives of a CJ. Plus, for people like us who love using similes, metaphors, idioms and bombastic, verbose words a word limit of 120-140 words, just doesn’t seem right! Thats the greatest hurdle we all have to pass. Moreover, reducing the words in your own write up beyond a certain level is heartbreaking. 

Blogs: As CJs we are expected to regularly update blogs. Talk about college admissions, news, happenings, feelings etc. I must admit I have not been on a blogging spree but I believe in quality over quantity. So though, I write less cause there isn’t anything to write on these days. But for those who think I cannot be on a blogging spree. I am on a blogging spree from now on. 

Well, thats all it is to be a CJs. Might sound like a no big deal. But, step in our shoes and you will realize that it isn’t so easy to write, discuss, get clicked, visit colleges under scorching sun and rocket to cloud 9 when identified in public.