Perfecting your passion: Top five journalists who changed the game for me

Motivation varies for each person, but what inspires me to excel as a journalist is learning from the best in the business.

Even though I've always been a dreamer, it can sometimes be tough to find the motivation I need to take the next step toward that dream. There are many ways to channel that inner creativity. It can manifest sonically through music or arise from a heartfelt conversation with a loved one. Don't get me wrong; both of these examples inspire me, but what truly drives me as a journalist is analyzing the industry. Observing and studying the greats in the field ignites my ambition to become a great journalist, not just a good one. What encourages me is not only witnessing their craft but also connecting with their process in some way.

Here are the top five journalists who inspire me to be better:

#1 - Sheba Turk

I first discovered Sheba Turk while she was a reporter and anchor for WWL-TV. Growing up, watching the news was normal, but it hit differently when she came across my TV screen as the host of her entertainment news show, "The 504."As someone who grew up directly in New Orleans, it was only fitting that she hosted a show that was based on the city's culture and pop culture alike. It was so cool to see someone who looked like me on television straying away from the serious nature of news and opening my eyes to another form of journalism. Her charisma and relatability made me feel like I could someday be in that position. Fast-forward to now, and I still watch old clips of that show to motivate myself not to be afraid of being funny with guests. Man, that candy corn debate was my favorite segment!

#2 - Chris Van Vliet

"Never give up" is a mantra used by my favorite pro wrestler, John Cena, who seems to live his life by this both inside and outside the ring. Being a huge wrestling fan and enthusiast, I am always looking for ways to immerse myself in professional wrestling. No, settle down. I grew out of that dream a long time ago, but among the many goals I have within this industry, being a wrestling journalist is on that list. In 2023, I came across a video on YouTube by reporter Chris Van Vliet. It was an interview with John Cena in which they talked about his wrestling and acting career and many other topics. Multiple videos later, I realized Vliet doesn't only interview wrestlers but has had a long career as an entertainment reporter in Hollywood. He has his fair share of awards, but what keeps me invested is the depth of his conversations. He could go the typical route and ask a question that prompts an answer, but instead, he and his guests often engage in the deeper meanings associated with life, such as family and purpose. This motivates me to peel back the layers within an interview and to develop a connection with the guest for the conversation and beyond.

"I like to end every interview the same, can you name me three things you're grateful for?" – Chris Van Vliet

#3 - Loren Lorosa

Lauren Lorosa on The Breakfast Club Radio show

Loren Lorosa, a reporter from Delaware, brings her unique flare to entertainment news. Lorosa has worked for major companies like TMZ and BET. In 2022, I came across some of her videos on social media, breaking news on various topics. Following her viral videos, I would eventually migrate to her YouTube channel to find more of her content. I watched a video in which she discussed how she started in the industry, and I related to how she took a chance on herself on something so different. However, she got my full attention when she landed a recurring role as a personality/reporter on the staple radio show The Breakfast Club. Her witty take and unapologetic aggressiveness as a reporter when it comes to research and follow-up inspire me to continue with new angles once a story is completed because something new is always brewing, big or small.

#4 - Dr. Marc Lamont Hill

My first time seeing Dr. Marc Lamont Hill was on BET News, and I immediately gravitated toward his conversations. I admire that Dr. Hill is a black man educating all people on many aspects of the black experience. Dr. Hill, an activist and intellectual, discusses topics that tackle items like race and politics. Back in 2020, I watched when he was interviewed on hip hop podcast Drink Champs to talk about social justice and protests against police brutality following the George Floyd case and other black killings. Dr. Hill inspires me as a journalist to yes highlight the story but to ultimately think critically and come up with a solution(s) to make circumstances better.

#5 - Don Lemon

Don Lemon is a journalist most notable for his run on the CNN Network. On air for more than a decade, he has managed to talk about a wide range of topics involving jobs, the economy, politics, controversies, and more. I like how, no matter the story, he always seemed to bring joy to the network as a reporter and to love what he did. After he departed from the organization, he managed to make a pivot and introduce "The Don Lemon Show" on digital platforms. Lemon motivates me to constantly reinvent the wheel as a reporter

Find what works for you

The quest to channel that inner creativity to achieve a goal is tough to navigate. This is why it is important to use all effective resources throughout the journey. Some people like music, others like to paint; I like to immerse myself in the shoes of the best in the business. Seeing my favorites' love for this industry encourages me to perfect my passion as a journalist.

What do you do to motivate yourself? Who inspires you? Let me know below.