Gatekeeping Survives the Modern Age

A Master of Science in Communication Studies has finally become the heir apparent to an idea Ive had for many years. Getting a graduate degree was always something I thought worthwhile, but the field of study was not so obvious. I did not want to put forth the time, effort and money without a clear idea of why to choose a particular subject, and then how to put it to swell use. My first career as a periodical newspaper reporter was wonderful.Fresh out of college, but with a speech communication major (because that sounded like pastime and could get me out of develop in four years) I l acquire the newspaper business from a gentle man in a diminutive town. Because writing is my first love, I was able to easily put information into a readable format. The rest of the responsibilities interviewing, researching, proofreading, editing, layout, paste-up, photography, developing film and printing dates, I picked up on the job. I was young and single, then young and married, and life wa s good. It got better with children, so I put the newspaper business aside.As a few friends earned their Masters Degrees, I was envious but not compelled. English and writing were options, but didnt appear sensible unless I taught in high spirits school or contacted New York for literary work (no small feat in those pre-technology days). I was not interested in either. Life with kids was busy and they were the priority for my time. twain decades later I resumed where I had left off. I was ready to work for pay again and fell into the perfect job as a weekly newspaper reporter. It has been a growing experience as I brushed up on and fine-tuned my skills.I dove into controversial issues as well as the mundane, and for the know four years have recorded the news of a very active community. From this has grown the idea that a masters is the next synthetic step. I love to agree, as I have from every story written for the newspaper. I am interested in studying the media from the big p icture and associating with fellow mass communication enthusiasts. There are particular aspects of the degree I will pursue because it may be the only way to learn computerized techniques useful in the field.Most of my kids are no longer home to teach me that. For my final years of employment I would like to work with a federation or non-profit organization, or teach at a junior college. I plan to stay with my perfect job until my last child is out of high school. Then I may be ready for a job with set hours. Im quite sure that one year at a respectable salary will reimburse the cost of the masters tuition, compared to a reporters wage. At any rate, I am always up for an adventure, and have been excited since deciding to further my education. Pat Fridgen