I very much wanted to be accepted by my peers, to be considered a serious journalist.
This quote highlights the universal desire for acceptance and recognition, especially within one’s professional community. It underscores how critical peer validation can be in shaping a person's identity and confidence, particularly in a competitive and reputation-driven field like journalism. Such aspirations motivate many to uphold integrity and excellence, yet they can also lead to pressures that influence authenticity. Ultimately, balancing personal integrity with the desire for peer approval is a nuanced challenge for many professionals.