Garesia La'Shay Randle - Summer 2007

Click on photo to enlarge or download: Garesia La'Shay Randle

"You're not going anywhere!"

This is what my first journalism professor asserted after I told him I had to leave Louisiana State University.

In my mind, I knew there was no way he could convince me that my financial problems - the ultimate reason for my departure - would disappear only four weeks before the end of my freshman year.

Boy, was I ever wrong.

With the help of a scholarship my professor suggested I apply for, I am a print journalism senior and sociology minor at Louisiana State University. I bleed purple and gold!

Financial problems seemed to be the burden the day I had that conversation with my professor. But the real burden was my self doubt. I had second thoughts that a girl from a middle-class family in Houston, Texas, could possibly overcome those financial obstacles and become a real reporter.

But my professor's confidence in me made me take a second look at my circumstances. All financial obstacles aside, I had to believe that I did not go to LSU to fail and go back home. I had a job to do.

I no longer see that scared, doubtful journalism freshman when I look in the mirror. She had to leave to make room for the real reporter living within me.

Today, my confidence and determination drives me to go for the "gusto." That is exactly why I am here today at the Scripps Howard Foundation Wire working to become an even better reporter.

Every once and awhile, I hit the rewind button to go back to the conversation I had with my professor.

"You're not going anywhere!"

He was wrong. I'm not just going anywhere; I'm going everywhere. My journalism career has taken me places I only dreamed about - including Japan and South Korea.

Now, I am in D.C. to work hard and do what I was I was born to do - inform the world.

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