A shining example of unorthodox journalism, Stacey Dooley has paved the most awe inspiring career, proving that a conventional education and 'career plan' are not essential to professional success and fulfilment.
Dooley describes herself as 'having fallen into journalism', with her first television appearance in 2007, as a contributor on the BBC documentary Blood, Sweat and T-shirts. Since then she's made 50 documentaries, tackling the grittiest and most harrowing of stories, from the women on the Syrian frontline to the vulgar depths of Cambodia's sex trade. Beyond her bravery, it's Dooley's humanity which has illuminated her journalism. The sincerity and empathy of her style is somewhat alien in TV journalism, but proves that the media does in fact, have room for emotional connection.
Dooley reflects that her professional success is largely attributed to opportunity - and most crucially, having taken each one that came her way. To me, her story is incredibly uplifting, countering the narratives we are generally fed. When our plans don’t roll out accordingly -Exam results, University, Job interviews- it’s easy to feel as if a door has been slammed in our face.
From Stacey Dooley’s journey, I have learnt that in the trick is simply looking down the corridor, and knocking on every other door we can see. With enough grit, courage and authenticity, something is bound to open up.
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