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MSU | Career

My Goodbye To Journalism (But Not Really)

Sophia Jundy Student Contributor, Michigan State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Dear Journalism,

Let me make one thing clear: this isn’t a goodbye. It’s more of a… “Thanks for everything, but I met someone new” kind of situation? But don’t freak out, I’m not ghosting you. You’ll always have a permanent tab open in my brain (right next to the AP Stylebook).

I fell in love with you at first sight. The rush of an enticing story? The chaos of chasing a quote from someone who really doesn’t want to talk to me? My favorite part. An hour into Journalism 200 with my Dunkin drink and a dream, that class really built my confidence… you could say. 

But then, one day, while I was staring down yet another 600-word article on a lecture at ComArtSci, I met Public Relations. I’ll admit it… I was curious. PR had a shiny energy. It was organized. Polished. It had Adobe Suite. I slowly started to realize… maybe I didn’t have to pick just one.

PR didn’t ask me to abandon storytelling. It just gave me a new way to tell stories. It introduced me to strategy, campaign, and maybe an appealing brand or two. It let me be creative in a way I didn’t know I could be. And weirdly enough, I owe that realization to you, Journalism.

East Lansing is full of our memories. You made this town feel like a newsroom (still haven’t stepped foot in one). You taught me how to write quickly, speak clearly, and fact-check like my life depended on it. You gave me thick skin and quick instincts. You were the reason I fell in love with communication in the first place.

So no, Journalism, this isn’t goodbye. This is just me slipping out the side door with a press release in one hand and a media contact list in the other. I’ll still visit. I’ll still read. I might even freelance because everyone knows I won’t stop writing once I start. But for now, I’m off chasing a new kind of chaos, and it’s all because of you.

With love, loyalty, and lingering deadline anxiety,
Sophia

Sophia Jundy

MSU '26

Sophia Jundy is a senior at Michigan State University. She is working to receive degrees in Public Relations and Journalism, with minors in business and media photography, and a concentration in media relations. She is expected to graduate in Spring 2026.

On campus, Sophia is actively involved in the MSU chapter of PRSSA, serves as secretary for Her Campus MSU, and works as the public relations specialist for VIM Magazine. She is also an intern for MSUToday and manages social media for Chateau Coffee in Okemos, Michigan. Her past experience includes working with the Detroit Free Press, further expanding her skills in both traditional and digital media.

Throughout these roles, Sophia has built a strong foundation in AP-style writing, press kit development, in-depth interviewing, and strategic research. She prides herself on staying plugged into the media landscape, her phone is always buzzing with news alerts, trends, and pop culture moments. With a passion for fashion, music, and the entertainment industry, Sophia plans to channel her storytelling abilities into a career in communications, where creativity and cultural relevance intersect

In 2024, she studied abroad in Rome through MSU’s ADV + PR A La Mediterranean program, earning eight credits at the American University of Rome. As part of that experience, she attended the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where she gained first-hand insight into global public relations and began building a professional network on LinkedIn.

Whether she's pitching a campaign or creating a PR package, Sophia brings creativity, color, and intention to everything she does. Her colorful character is reflected in both her professional character and her wardrobe.