Kalli Smith, a KU sophomore in the school of journalism, has a lot of passion. She loves music, enjoys participating in sports, spends her free time writing and cares deeply for animals. Smith was deeply involved in 4H during her formative years in Hiawatha, Kansas and originates from a family with K State loyalties and roots in agriculture. Choosing to attend KU in order to pursue a love for journalism she fostered during her high school years was not an easy decision. The 2015 high school graduate felt confident in her decision to choose journalism as her major, though where she wants to take it is a little tricky.
“I don’t really know what’s going to happen. I’d really like to start as a reporter for a newspaper and work up from there. I want to get a good feel and be confident in my work,” Smith said.
An internship with her local newspaper and working with a wedding magazine spurned contentment with the path she’s chosen, though she’s unsure in what capacity she’d like to work.
“School’s pressure, but a job is literally your only income. You’re not a college student, there’s no way to get out of it,” Smith said on contemplating her future. She thinks maybe she’d like to write for National Geographic to continue working with animals, but she has a lot more to offer.
“I don’t want to just do one thing my whole life. There’s more I want to do,” Smith said. Whether it’s playing guitar, running track, tending to animals or writing a novel, it’s clear Smith has the drive and determination to mold her passions into something that will carry into her career.