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

I’m from the San Fernando Valley and before attending USC, I got my undergraduate degree in media studies at UC Berkeley. At UC Berkeley, I co-developed the first-ever Black history audio tour of campus. My interest in journalism and media started when I was in high school and created a podcast called Life Told By a Stranger. 

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

I wanted a school and program where I wouldn’t be confined to one medium but had the opportunity to try and excel in many different things. With my background in audio through hosting my podcast, I wanted to expand my skills by trying video reporting and writing more. I also was interested in sharing food and culture stories and was pleasantly surprised to learn that Annenberg offered multiple food journalism courses, which not many schools do. After a short amount of time here, I knew I made the right choice with Annenberg.

What have you enjoyed the most about the degree program?

I’ve loved the opportunity to dive in and be a real journalist from day one. From reporting live on election night for Annenberg TV News to hosting Annenberg Radio News in the fall, I’ve gained experiences that I’m very proud to add to my portfolio. Unique opportunities like getting to share my reporting on Spectrum News have made my time at Annenberg memorable. 

I also love how supportive the USC Annenberg community is, professors and classmates alike. For me, USC Annenberg is a place where I've learned, grown, and set myself up for success as a journalist. Being a journalism student at USC has also helped me see my hometown in a new light and appreciate the culturally rich place I get to call home.