I had a dream of becoming a journalist from Grade 5, when a teacher helped me recognise my gift of the written word. And despite much discouragement of having faith in one’s own career dreams, I went on to realise them.
Once realised, soon enough it became abundantly clear that this was the right choice, making a difference through telling the stories of others.
I always say we are often the voiceless soldiers behind the published works, 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 subject 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.
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.”
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.
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 I will officially close a chapter of my life. At 32 I stand at the precipice of major change. I once believed it was too late for me to start over. 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. 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, and later TygerBurger (as the publication name changed), has become such a huge part of my identity, a publication I have passionately advocated for, and it has been such an incredible ride. 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.”
