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

I am originally from Ohio but moved to Southern California for my undergrad and have been here ever since. I majored in public relations at California Baptist University and spent the last few years working for a public affairs and marketing firm helping local governments across the state. During the pandemic, my work really picked up as we worked overtime to ensure our clients’ residents had the necessary information they needed about mandates, regulations, restrictions and resources available to them.

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

I learned of Annenberg’s program because I knew I wanted to get back into journalism. I had worked for my student newspaper and magazine in college and fell in love with the pace, passion and determination required to be a journalist. I started searching for ways to improve my storytelling skills and found Annenberg’s graduate program. I really was propelled by Annenberg’s multimedia and all-encompassing approach to journalism. I had a writing background, but I wanted to learn how to shoot and edit video and audio, engage with communities over social media and improve my narrative abilities. After being out of school for a few years, I also was attracted to the fact that you are able to learn and do so much in 11 months. 

What have you enjoyed the most about the degree program?

I have really enjoyed how this program and the professors have challenged me to push beyond what I thought I was capable of. The professors are incredible teachers and understand how to tell a story in an effective and compelling way. I also have enjoyed being able to explore audio journalism through the public radio and podcasting classes. I never knew I could enjoy editing and crafting audio pieces so much and have had so much fun getting super creative with this medium. I have also enjoyed all the insane opportunities that come with this program including the amazing professors and students I get to learn from and work with, interesting stories I've worked on and the encouragement from those around me to reach for my highest goals.