Maggie Carstensen is a junior at Michigan State University. She is studying Journalism with a concentration in writing, editing and reporting, and two minors in Public Relations and Business. She currently has an internship at MSUToday, works at the Wharton Center Ticket Office and is a part of the Wharton Center Student Marketing Organization, or WCSMO. She talks about her journey to wanting to become a journalist, and how she is learning to find her voice while a student at MSU.
When I joined my high school newspaper, I mainly did it so I wouldn't have to take another English class. From there, I fell in love with writing and being a journalist. Everyone in my life was confused when I announced what I wanted to study. I’ve always been quiet and introverted, so this switch was unexpected to say it lightly.
While I’ve always found interactions with people frustrating and difficult, getting to know others and their stories gave me a sense of purpose. And through great teachers and mentors, I have been able to learn about journalistic writing.
It's important to give yourself a break when you feel overwhelmed. Having a lot of classes and jobs it gets hard to find time for a break; sometimes it also feels like you don't deserve one. Being able to give myself the space for emotions helped a lot. It is still hard to go up to someone and talk to them. I've had several assignments like this, and it gets draining the more I talk to others.
I’ve been working on growing social skills through a few ways: by ripping off the Band-Aid and by working at the ticket office. Having a customer service job isn't something that I thought I would be good at, but with my love of theater it makes it easier to discuss shows and tickets.
Throughout my MSU career, I have also been able to expand my skillset through things I’m passionate about. Through working at the ticket office and being a part of WCSMO I can meet others interested in theater. WCSMO is a great club for building skills in marketing and social media. I have been able to make a lot of supportive friends through classes, work and clubs.
Finding my voice has taken a while from where I started until now. While I still have a long way to go, I know it will be worth it in the end.
