Discovering Aljany, Pt. 7: How Can You Be a Journalist Here?
How can you do your job in such a context?
I don't know what I am anymore: a journalist? Or just an editor who spends all her time writing stories without ever being able to go out into the field? Because I'm so scared, I avoid going out and talking to people or covering events.
My job is to tell the story of people's lives, to tell the story of the world in all its diversity, and sometimes in all its horror. I've always seen this as a commitment. If we journalists don't go out into the field, who will bear witness? Who will show reality? Who will denounce injustice?
Today, when you work in Port-au-Prince, your friends and family who don't live in the capital treat you as if you had superpowers. You must, they seem to think, to deal with the stress this insecurity and violence brings us.
I get messages every day from people close to me asking how I'm doing. Why don't I try to get into an international master's program and leave the country? Why don't I try to find a job in a provincial town?
Managing stress
I have no illusions. I'm well aware of the risks of living and working in Port-au-Prince. To deny the current situation in Haiti's capital and its consequences, when they are very real, would be to turn a blind eye. So I’ve created my own strategies to manage my stress.
I limit my movements. When it's too risky to travel around Port-au-Prince, I work from home. I block certain information. I'm aware that I have absolutely no control over the events unfolding in Haiti, so I avoid stressing myself out with all the information circulating on the net and in the newspapers, even if it's not easy with social media. I don't hesitate to disconnect when I need to.
I'm also looking for hobbies to pass the time. I love watching Netflix movies and series. Sometimes I can't even see the time go by. I also set realistic goals for my own work. It's pretty hard given the circumstances, but setting goals really helps me stay focused on my projects and especially on meeting deadlines in my work.
Sometimes, I seek support from those close to me. I surround myself with a few trusted friends with whom I can talk about my feelings, worries and plans. I ask for help when I need it. I also offer support when needed, trying to cultivate compassion and kindness.
These strategies don’t make me totally immune, but for the moment they allow me to manage my stress while remaining productive. They allow me to write, to share my stories with you and to stay focused, without focusing on my fear.
Thank you for being the best readers in the world!
Read the series!
Part Three: The Long-Awaited Meeting
Part Seven: How Can You Be a Journalist Here?
Discover more!
About the Author
Aljany Narcius
Haitian journalist Aljany Narcius is currently pursuing a Master 2 in Media Management, online from France’s University of Lille. With ten years of experience in the fields of journalism and communication, Aljany is a linguist who uses the Creole language as her weapon in the fight against social inequalities, exploitation, and all kinds of violence.
