By Ismail Sy<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After filming an episode with First Take, Stephen A. Smith talked with students during a Q&A session at the 2024 NABJ Convention, where he discussed the importance of longevity in the journalism industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smith, who\u2019s worked at ESPN, Fox Sports, and the Philadelphia Inquirer, stressed that his journey through journalism has not been an easy one. However, he credits his passion and honesty to his sustainability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One student came away optimistic about his own future in the industry after the session with Smith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t surprised by his passion since it takes that level of commitment to have a long career like he\u2019s had. It was motivating to hear and he made me optimistic about my own future and what I can potentially accomplish,\u201d Syracuse University student Kai Murphy said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smith also credits his ability to block the outside noise for his rise through the industry. However, he also said every once and a while, it is okay to address critics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t care about other people chirping about me. Now, every now and then, it’s alright to cuss somebody out. Get it out of your system and let them know you\u2019re [he] from Hollis Queens,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smith also has ambitions outside of sports media and he has shown that in the last couple of years. For example, he has appeared on Fox News, as well as incorporating current event topics into his podcast, \u201cThe Stephen A. Smith Show.\u201d He outlined how important it is for him to diversify his skillset and continue to create new challenges for himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen there\u2019s an election year, I don\u2019t want either candidate to feel done unless they talk to me. If Denzel Washington has a new movie coming out, I want to talk to him about it,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smith said that he is not tired of winning and wants to keep winning in order to continue to keep his position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dhani Joseph of Syracuse University sees Smith\u2019s drive as something to use for his own potential career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe really put into perspective what hard work really means and how he set himself up for success. Even though he\u2019s one of the biggest names in journalism, he is still unsatisfied. That\u2019s something that stood out to me,\u201d Joseph said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smith said remembering the importance of the profession will take those who are in it far and lead to success in the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou have to keep in mind that no one forced you to be a journalist. No one forced you to do this. You voluntarily choose to do it,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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