My Path

My first experience in informal investigative journalism was in middle school. Throughout the day, I would collect sources and get confirmation on rumors spreading through the halls. At night, I would report back to group chats and my closest friends with the information I gathered.

This passion later morphed into joining my high school newspaper where I developed some basic journalistic ethics. In college, I started reporting on public policy and how organizations affect everyday people. Understanding political theory and the role of government has been vital to my storytelling. I have grown to understand the historic effects government has had on marginalized groups in my queer studies and ethnic studies coursework.

At my core, I love to learn. I am fascinated by stories about perseverance or pain or passion. How an individual sees the world is some of the most important data any researcher or reporter can gather. The public needs accessible and readily available stories of the people outside of their typical network. So many of the world’s issues are a byproduct of grand misunderstandings and the poor dissemination of truths.

I chose my majors and minors to inform my dissemination of the truth. This field will likely not be glamorous or lucrative, but I am okay with that. I see two types of college students. There are some who want a degree to propel their career and make a stable living for their family, which is perfectly understandable and admirable. Then there are some who want to develop their skills to serve the public. I am confident in my decision to be a member of the latter group. 

Resume

Career Goals

My dad tells me to work hard now, so I can can take it easy later. My mom is glad I have not solidified an internship for the summer because she thinks I need a break. And people often ask me, “Do you sleep?” after they hear my daily to-do list. The thing is: I cannot imagine a world where I ever slow down. There is simply too much to accomplish.

In five years from now, I do not know where I will be. I know for certain that I will report for a local newsroom after I graduate. And I know that law school is in my distant future. What is in between those certainties or after is unknown. My ambition often carries me to new adventures and to pursue new projects.

I’ve thought about starting a podcast about community engagement and local politics. I dream about making documentaries. Lately, I have even been thinking about starting a non-profit newsroom to supplement the dying legacy publications, which is a lofty goal but not out of my reach. All that is to say my plans are murky right now. This fact used to scare me, but now I am excited by the unknown.

The skills I am developing in journalism and political science and ethnic/queer studies are all molding my worldview. I come from an objective stance on most issues, but I have come to be advocate of two main values: the world needs to be more informed and the messengers sharing this information need to be protected. These two values will guide me to many places and creating content in many ways.

I could slow down and choose an office public relations office job or work as a communications director for a politician, but I do not think that would be doing myself justice. My high school self dreamed of winning a Pulitzer Prize, but that does not feel right either. I have grown into myself and no long strive for clout. I just want to make the world a better place by telling stories — as corny as that sounds.