I had a dream of becoming a journalist from Grade 5, when a teacher helped me recognize my gift of the written word. And despite much discouragement of having faith in one’s own career dreams, I went on to realize them.
Once realized, it soon became clear that this was the right choice. It made a difference by telling the stories of others.
We are often the voiceless soldiers behind the published works. I always say we are rewarded by a simple byline at the top for our efforts. No personal opinions, no guided narratives. So on these few occasions we give readers insight into the person who is the focus of our newspaper.
For those who may not know me, or my story, my name is Samantha (although I never hear my full name unless I’m in trouble, of course). I had a dream of becoming a journalist at People’s Post newspaper, specifically writing for Mitchells Plain, the area I was born and finished my schooling in, and to which I still a have very deep sense of belonging, even though my family moved out of the area at the start of high-school years.
I was inspired to make a difference by telling the positive news from the area, amid continuous front-page articles about all the deepest darkest happenings in the area. I knew, first-hand there was so much more, and so a very clear mission was set in motion.
My dream was largely realised in 2014 as an intern, on the newspaper’s Lansdowne edition. But slowly God let the full dream unfold, and in time I wrote for the prized edition for Mitchells Plain. What was meant to be a six-month internship ended after three months with a full-time offer. It was an opportunity to prove myself.
Consequently, I believe I personify the saying “If you love what you do you won’t work a day in your life.”
But in reality life is a constant pursuit of success. It becomes easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day hustle without realising how much one has achieved and how far one’s determination has brought one. It is only in moments of silent reflection that we learn to appreciate the journey along with the end destination.
With more than 50 awards, commendations, finalist nominations and recognitions along the more-than-10-year span of my career, and having the privilege of featuring in almost every major journalism competition in the country I never imagined doing anything else. And honestly, through all of this I have learnt many valuable lessons.
How does that line from Woody Allen go (apparently based on an old Yiddish proverb)? “If you want to make God laugh tell him about your plans.”
I truly believed this was where I had made my name, and where I would possibly end it too.
You know, one cannot tell the future; I mean, if you asked me a few years ago where I’d be at this point my answer would probably have been the same as it was then.
Tomorrow (30 April), I will officially close a chapter of my life. At 32, I stand at the precipice of major change. A huge step into the unknown, leaving all that I have known, all I had once dreamt of, to embark on a whole new journey, is about to unfold. I once believed it was too late for me to start over. But I now know it is possible to want more and that one’s goals and dreams can evolve.
I recognise the magnitude of this new career move, an opportunityto make a fresh start, a whole new beginning, which is more than many can do right now. So I can count my blessings..
In fact, I didn’t want to write this column at all, for fear it would be a tad too emotional. My colleagues were quite adamant that I write this, my swansong, and how glad I am that I obliged.
For the past 10-and-a-half years, People’s Post has become such a huge part of my identity, a publication I have passionately advocated for, and it has been such an incredible ride. From the highest of highs to some uncomfortable lows, it has undoubtedly shaped the person I am today.
And while it is with a heavy heart that I officially bid farewell to my career as a reporter today I am so immensely grateful for all I have achieved on this most fulfilling of journeys.
Thank you for the memories, for the platform, for the opportunity to inform, inspire and entertain you along the way.
As I often would say in my videos, “signing out for one more time [although this time final], for People’s Post news I am Samantha Lee-Jacobs.”
