Justin Phillips never imagined he would be pursuing a career in print journalism.

“I used to think I would be on TV,” said the 22-year-old Philadelphia native, who is the sports editor for his school’s student newspaper, The Tech Talk.

Phillips, who was raised in Alexandria, La., began his college career at Northwestern State University on a football scholarship he signed during his junior year in high school.

Phillips transferred from Northwestern to Louisiana Tech University at the beginning of his sophomore year to play football.  However, things did not work out. When Phillips arrived, the head coach was fired and Phillips opted not to play for the new coach.

He started off as a psychology major, but changed to journalism. “I forgot how much I missed it [writing],” Phillips said.  ”I have been writing for as long as I can remember.”

The younger of two brothers, Phillips said his mother, who was an English major at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., inspired him to write.

Recalling his days as a reporter for The Tech Talk, Phillips said his first story, which was on an international dessert dinner, was the most challenging because he had no prior experience with interviewing, or constructing a news article.”I had to hit the ground running, but I learned quickly,” Phillips said.

After graduation, Phillips plans to move out West to find a bigger job market. “I would like to find a place I really like and a staff I’m proud to be a part of,” said Phillips, whose dream job is to become a sports writer.

“If I’m not playing it, I’m writing it,” Phillips said. “I’ve always had a love for sports.”