“I want to change the world, write a book, and help young up-and-coming writers as well.” For 21-year-old Jan Ransom, journalism isn’t something to do; it’s a lifestyle.

 A native of Queens, N.Y., she has a lively smile, an open personality and an accent that displays itself distinctly and proudly. “I just talk how I talk, take it or leave it,” said Ransom.

 A senior print major at Howard University, Ransom looks to become an investigative reporter. She has an interest in crime, but since her father and best friend’s brother were victims of police brutality, Ransom has an obsession to combat that as well.          

Ransom’s face lights up whenever she talks about journalism. “When I write a good story, I get a tingly feeling inside. I want to share that story with others. Journalism directs discussion, thoughts and trends.”     

Ransom first stepped into journalism when she started working for the paper during her senior year of high school. Her journalism experience includes an internship at The Village Voice in the summer of 2007, and this summer she will be interning at the Daily News in New York.           

“I would credit my success to my mother,” said Ransom. “Whenever I write something she’ll listen. She encourages and pushes me to not get discouraged.” 

In 10 years, she hopes to be working for The New York Times. “Hopefully I won’t have wrinkles,” said Ransom.

Journalism also isn’t going to die, she said. “It can’t die. It’s not hip-hop. You’ve got to be there to tell a story.”