Biography
From a very early age, I knew I wanted to be a journalist. My older sister got her first reporting job when I was but a tot and took me for a tour of the newsroom. I was hooked. The furious pace of the reporters jamming out stories and battling deadlines and editors, the cool, laidback photographers, phones ringing off their hooks. It was intoxicating.
Since then I have been immersed in writing. I wrote for the school newspaper in elementary and middle school and was the editor of my high school paper. Writing was a release for me -- something I could do to relieve stress and clear my head. Since I enjoyed it so much, it seemed logical to pursue it in college.
Last summer I had a very productive internship with the Bradenton Herald in Bradenton, Fla. I was treated exactly like every other reporter and gained a lot of experience in dealing with editors, photographers, other reporters, interviewees and the community at large. I also amassed dozens of clips for my portfolio. I covered everything from local hot dog vendors to capital murder trials. The experience solidified for me the desire to become a professional journalist. Now, starting my career is just around the corner and I'm looking forward to getting started.