any photojournalists?

[mattvillano]

This may be an odd inquiry, but....
Is there anyone on here that works as a photojournalist (for a newspaper or other publication) If you did go to school for it, where did you go? and how important is it to be in a strictly photojournalism program?

The reason I'm asking is because I recently went to my local newspaper looking to get internships or any sort of experience in the field. I was basically turned away and told that if I was serious about going into photojournalism that I should look into schools that offer photojournalism programs (Ohio State, U. North Carolina, etc.). I was told that without this type of experience, it is hard to succeed in the field. I am a student at a small liberal arts college in Northern NJ and am currently taking journalism and photography classes.

I'm sorry for rambling. I just have become really interested in photojournalism and would like to find out more about a career in the field.