who are journalists?

Once again reverting back to my childhood idea of journalism, I thought journalists were smart, polished writers and reporters who were well liked everywhere. I was under the impression that they received little to no sleep, although I'm not sure what part of that was from staying up working on a piece for work and what was from staying up reading and writing for enjoyment.

Now, before I'm even in the career, I wonder how that all is even possible. First of all, I thought they always looked perfect. Like, always looked perfect (which isn't possible for me at least). And I barely find time for leisure reading and writing now when I go to school full-time and work part-time. But really, I was focusing too much on what journalists look like per se, and not enough on what they do.

Once again turning to http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/journalist:

jour·nal·ist

/ˈdʒɜrnlɪst/ Show Spell   [jur-nl-ist]  noun

1. a person who practices the occupation or profession of journalism.

2. a person who keeps a journal, diary, or other record of daily events.

To this I would simply like to add: a person who portrays facts in an honest, unbiased fashion.

Based off my previous post, it's evident that I believe people that accurately tell facts, in order to make people better informed, are journalists.

When I was in high school, I participated in a mentorship with a local newspaper (see their website here: http://www.alaskastar.com/). I wrote, interviewed, and edited--all the things journalists do. However, I wouldn't have considered it to be journalism if the facts hadn't been checked or the stories had been biased. Journalists tell the truth for the benefit and wellbeing of others.