Where are you from and what were you doing before enrolling in graduate school?

I’m from a tiny, coastal village in southern India. My parents chose to raise me in nature than in the city, so my childhood was filled with the sounds of crickets, peacocks and the distant crashing of waves. Being a part of a seaside town, I grew up more in the water than out of it. It felt easier to be underwater. It felt just like home. My love for the ocean has largely impacted the way I view the world and what I want to give to it. Before I decided to specialize in climate journalism, I was trying to do everything I can to save our oceans. It didn’t work. I had neither the skill set nor the means to get my ideas out into the world. What I had and still have is an unwavering sense of purpose. An instinct to protect a place I literally cannot breathe in, but feels so right to be in.

How did you learn of the specialized journalism degree program and why did you choose USC Annenberg?

When I first started looking at master’s programs in journalism, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted out of the program. Almost all of the courses felt rigid and inflexible. None of them felt right to me. When I voiced my concern to one of professors from undergrad, he suggested I take a look at USC. I came across the specialized journalism program at Annenberg. The minute I read about the program was the minute I knew that’s where I wanted to be. I had the option to chose what I wanted to specialize in rather than go for a general degree in journalism. I had the freedom to train to become the kind of journalist I aspired to be.

What have you enjoyed the most about the specialized journalism degree program?

I would say my range of subjects and my professors have been a dream come true. But easily the best thing about this program, for me, was my cohort. My colleagues and friends. I had always felt like the black sheep but here I found others who were black sheep too! I have never and probably never will find another group of people so supportive of one another. This program was hectic, yes. But without the community we created, it would have been extremely hard to go through. I’m really grateful towards my professors and fellow SJers for everything they’ve taught me. They are my home away from home.