TOWAMENCIN – Renown Philadelphia journalist Tracy Matisak came to North Penn High School this week not only with her inspiring story of becoming a journalist, but more importantly a message for students aspiring to go into the field of journalism. She acknowledged that with the right mindset and skills, anyone has the capability to become a great journalist.
Her recipe for success in becoming a journalist was quite simple. She phrased it as the “Four P’s”; preparation, perseverance, place and perspective.
As a dedicated student in her early years, Matisak was active ever since high school with speaking and writing. After graduating high school, she went to Temple University and pursued a career in journalism, eventually receiving a bachelor’s degree while gaining valuable insight from internship at channel 6 News. She described her time in school as being her ‘preparation’ for her future.
Her ‘perseverance’ was gained in her persistent tries to get a job at various radio and news stations. This included numerous failed attempts to get a job she applied for, but in the end, achieving success. She stressed the importance of believing in yourself if you feel that strongly about your specific future.
“It’s important not be discouraged if that’s what you really feel you would like to do, and you believe that the doors are open. While the job market is shrinking in some ways, it’s expanding in others.”
She illustrated on this point in saying that tools such as the internet have changed the way people can gain advantage in the job market by having so many more opportunities. In an ever changing world of media and news, Matisak also acknowledged the need for certain skills that journalists should have to excel.
“You’ve got to be a good writer and you’ve got to be an avid reader. But the other thing is that if you can learn skills like the ones Mr. Berger is teaching in his classes… that just makes you all the more marketable.”
Matisak included ‘place’ as another crucial factor of her success, highlighting her many positions spanning her career. Some include positions at WDAS and WRTI, learning from professionals such as Jerry Blavat, working with FOX 29 News, and anchoring on the show Good Day Philadelphia.
And finally, Matisak’s theme of ‘perspective’ was equally key in reaching where she is today. Treating a job as a separate entity from family is one thing she learned to keep tangible. She is now a free-lance journalist which she enjoys.
“It has allowed me to raise my own family while continuing to work but without the pressure of working full time… It’s allowed me live a more well-rounded life.”
When asked why she chooses to come to students and speak about her career, she answered, “I wish that someone could have done that when I was in school so that I could’ve talked to a real live journalist… One of the main reasons I do it is to encourage young people because it’s a lot harder now since it is such a more competitive job market. We need good, solid journalists.”
Overall, it was an educational experience that taught students important skills not only in journalism, but for a successful career and future.
“It’s a privilege to come and encourage students who are pursuing the same kinds of interests and goals that I had” said Matisak.