Foreign service or no?

Hi everyone, I’m 18 and about to start college, and I’ve been struggling to figure out which career is actually the best fit for me. I was born in the Middle East, and ever since I was younger I’ve been drawn to Middle East politics, history, and international affairs. I’ve always wanted to understand why conflicts happen, why extremism develops, and how diplomacy and public policy can help reduce conflict and create more stability. That interest naturally pushed me toward studying the Middle East and following world events very closely. I also genuinely love watching political debates, parliamentary sessions, congressional hearings, UN committee meetings, Security Council sessions, and discussions where people with different viewpoints challenge one another. I often find myself debating the speakers in my own head and thinking about what questions I would ask if I were sitting across from them. As I got older, I excelled in U.S. History and became increasingly interested in American politics. I found myself drawn to Washington, D.C., the political atmosphere, Congress, foreign policy, and the people shaping national and international affairs. At the same time I really enjoyed watching political debates and genuinely loved debating in general. That led me down the rabbit hole of the U.S. Foreign Service, embassies, diplomacy, and the idea of representing the United States overseas. For a while, I was convinced that was exactly what I wanted. But the more I researched what Foreign Service Officers actually do, the more I started wondering if I had idealized the career. I know they meet with ministers, travel, and represent the U.S., which is fascinating, but I also worry that I’d spend much of my career reading, writing reports, and working behind the scenes. I’m not sure that’s what gives me energy. What consistently excites me is:
Reading political news every day. Following U.S. politics, Europe, and especially the Middle East. Watching shows like Piers Morgan Uncensored and commentators like Mehdi Hasan and Ben Shapiro and Candace Owens etc… Thinking about how I would challenge guests or respond during a debate.
I don’t really want to become a politician or diplomat, and I don’t think I’d enjoy spending my career primarily writing policy reports or academic research papers. I also don’t want to build a career by becoming a social media influencer first. What I picture myself doing is interviewing politicians, questioning officials, debating ideas respectfully, explaining current events, and maybe one day becoming someone people turn to for thoughtful analysis on Middle East politics or international affairs. At the same time, I still love diplomacy, the DC atmosphere, and international relations, which is why I’m so conflicted. If you were advising someone with these interests, which path do you honestly think fits me best? Political journalism/broadcast journalism?
Political commentary?
The U.S. Foreign Service?
Something else entirely?
For anyone who has worked in journalism, media, diplomacy, or the Foreign Service, what do you think I’m overlooking? Are there misconceptions I have about these careers?
I’d really appreciate honest advice.