Why Olivia Johnson loves MSUM

Everyone says that journalism is dying – well, print journalism at least. Being an optimist, I decided I wanted to defy these odds and become a famous journalist. The next Nellie Bly, or Christiane Amanpour. I was going to be a part of bringing print back to the people.

A key part of becoming a good journalist is the schooling that prepares you for it. Approaching my senior year of high school, I started the greatest goose chase of them all, figuring out where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life.

BS in Digital Media Management

In typical Olivia fashion, I had a list of requirements when beginning the college decision process. I wanted one that was out of state, but not too far away, and something with a journalism department, since I was going to save the journalism industry.

Not only did I have this list of requirements, but it just so happened that my mom is an alum of Minnesota State Moorhead. This made her extra eager to persuade me to be a Dragon. With a persistent mother and my list of requirements, I narrowed my college search down pretty quickly.

When touring MSUM, I initially went in with a bit of a standoffish mindset. As a teenager, it is always the worst when your parents are right. Since my mother strongly encouraged me to choose MSUM, I strongly did not want to choose it. Although, the more and more of campus I saw on my tour, the more and more I warmed up to the idea of becoming a Dragon.

As soon as I saw the Campus News studio and the coziness of the journalism department, I knew that my college search had come to an end. I was completely sold and had no further need to see any other campuses. I would like to thank my Dragon Ambassador Ann for giving me such an amazing tour that inspired me to become an ambassador as well.

Now I know I am talking a lot about journalism, and so you would think that means I am majoring in it. Yet, I am happily studying digital media management with an emphasis in advertising and public relations, a minor in broadcast journalism, and a certificate in project management. I know, try saying that ten times fast. In choosing this degree path, I realized it catered to the widest array of skills that will help me be the most versatile employee in my future.

But a good student isn't anything without good professors. The communication and journalism department faculty have been my rocks throughout college, from supporting my plans to run for student body president to reviewing story after story for The Advocate, MSUM's student-run newspaper, to simply checking in with me to make sure I'm doing okay. I wouldn't be here without them.

If you have made it this far into my story, you may be sensing a common theme: I love MSUM for many different reasons. I could talk about them all until I am red in the face (PMS 186 red), but we would be here awhile. I will sign off here by saying sometimes it’s okay to take your parents’ advice. It may write one of the best stories of your life.