Writing
There is nothing that makes me happier than a story that can bring you to tears, happy or sad; emotional stories are some of the most in-depth heartfelt reporting there is. This has slowly become my signature type of reporting, quickly being referred to as "the queen of features" by my advisor, my love for a good feature story is what drives me to write. However my writing is not just limited to this, I regularly enjoy writing sports stories, news stories and the occasional opinion. I will forever be in love with the art of writing and the extent to which it can impact others.
Adoption Creates Family, Advocacy for Those Left Behind
When the idea for an in-depth spread on adoption and the foster care system came up in class one day I knew in my heart I knew the story was meant for me. I have known many people that grew up in the foster care system as well as people that had been adopted so I knew how scary and challenging fostering and adoption could be. Adopting and fostering has always been something I have considered doing later on in life and writing this story made it so apparent I will someday. The time I spent interviewing these two incredible, inspiring women doing so much in our community is something I will cherish forever. I was honored to share the story of a woman who has never shared her story before as well as someone who is constantly in the media, I was able to showcase how similar their love and passion for children in need is even though they are on two completely different life paths.
Scholarship Started in Honor of Late Alumnus
This story was honestly one of the hardest things I have ever been tasked with writing. My adviser lost a student very close to her this past year and decided to start a scholarship in his name. Telling this beautiful story of a teacher and student relationship that turned into a deep friendship that abruptly ended was challenging, and to capture that in a way that truly honored an amazing soul was even more special to me. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to share this story that ended in sadness because of the endless amounts of smiles and laughs behind the short part of the story of Blake Brockway's life that I got to tell.
Media Specialist Finds Passion for Water
This is story is one of the many I have found while being a library aide. Every day I sit in the library with my ears open for any story that may be lerking where most of our staff is not looking. When we returned to school and the library media specialist began describing her summer of scuba diving and sailing, I knew it was a unique one that had to be told. One of the things I always strive to do is be nosey, something our adviser says is essential to begin a good journalist. Listening to whispered conversations and paying attention to those around you is usually how some of the best story ideas come to be, especially this story of adventure and excitement.
Normalcy Rests in Vaccine Trails Success
Finding sources willing to speak out on the COVID-19 vaccine that had yet to be found was a hot topic for political debate was a struggle. I spent days contacting hospitals, local doctor offices, colleges with medical programs and even attempting to reach medical researchers but was left short-handed after almost every call. Nobody wanted to speak to a student journalist eager to inform others about something so controversial at the time. I was reaching deadline with only one source I had managed to find, a local nurse practitioner, I felt lost but I was not giving up the search. Eventually, I found two other sources to complete this story about a vaccine almost all people, even medical professionals knew little to nothing about. I believe this story shows my ability to take the extra step, find the best source I can, do the extra research and commit to a story like no other.
The First Vegan Food Truck to Serve Madison
When I first began working with the owner of All Things Madison, a local media company that had been recently started, I was nervous. I had never seriously written outside of the classroom, the style was so much different as it was more blog-like writing versus the AP style I was used to. Coming up with story ideas was something that came easy in a growing city with so many stories lurking around each corner. I found a new love for blog-style writing through this opportunity as well as a love for the amazing things in the growing city of Madison.
Teacher Starts Business to Keep Occupied at Home
Feature writing is something I have had a deep passion for ever since I wrote my first story about an ice skater at our school. Stories about others and what they love to do is always something I will be so grateful to have the ability to share. These types of human interest stories have always been my strength when it comes to writing and it is also these types of stories that will forever have my heart. Being able to share people's beautiful stories, or even fun ones just like this story, will always bring me joy just as much as it does readers.
Decline in Bee Population Causes Drastic Effects
Beekeeping is definitely not something I would have chosen to write about but when I was assigned this story and began working on it my mind was completely changed. This seemingly simple story about the beekeeping club at our school turned into an in-depth news story about the decline in bee population across our country. What started off as just student interviews turned into research and eventually led to me interviewing the apiary administrator of Alabama. I notice that with each story I am assigned I like to take the next step, fill in my own questions and create stories that relate on both a local relevant level to our school but bring in another element that completes a story.
Beauty Director Starts Wellness and Beuaty Blog
Writing for Courageous Curls Media has given me the opportunity to talk some of the most inspiring women I know today. I have interviewed women of different colors, backgrounds and professions and this story about Yahoo Life Beauty Director Dana Oliver has been one of my favorites so far. The story of a career-driven mother is one that really leaves you knowing the amazing impact people of color have on our society every single day.
Senior Find Adventure in Virgin Islands
This story has been one of the most amazing interviews I have ever conducted. I came up with a total of 20 in-depth interview questions for Justin and I will just say his responses did not disappoint. I was sent back over 1,500 words that detailed his adventurous week sailing which included an hour by hour play of almost every moment of his trip. While this was an overwhelming amount of information I am grateful for what I was able to go through to write this interesting story about an adventure only Justin had experienced and share that with my student body and readers. I felt this story really shows my ability to put you in the moment and give details that help you visualize what the subject has been through.
Student Finds His Passion for Storytelling
After attending ASPA last year Malick's story stuck with me for months. When it came time to write my newest feature for Courageous Curls Media, I began scrolling through Instagram for my next person to feature. Malick's account came up on my phone and I just knew his story was one that needed to be shared with the entire world on the site. I am grateful to social media for being an amazing tool for me to use during quarantine and giving me the ability to continue telling the beautiful stories of minorities in our country. It is such an honor to be able to amplify the voices of our country through my writing.