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

I’m originally from Los Angeles, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. Wanting to expand my horizons, I earned my BA in journalism from the University of Oregon, where I really enjoyed my time in the Pacific Northwest. After graduating, I freelanced for Lookout Local Eugene–Springfield before moving back home to pursue my Master’s degree at the University of Southern California.

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

Pursuing a master’s degree wasn’t always part of my plan. I first learned about the program through an alumna who attended both the University of Oregon and USC. We shared similar paths where both of us wrote for our undergraduate newspaper, The Daily Emerald, and she spoke highly of how the program helped her sharpen her journalism skills. She emphasized the strength of the professors, the professional network, and the sense of community she built while at USC. Based on her experience and USC’s reputation, I felt this program best aligned with my interests in real-world reporting on race and social justice while allowing me to grow my skills in an intensive, one-year setting.

What have you enjoyed most about the degree program?

What I’ve enjoyed most is the opportunity to dive deeper into local reporting, which has pushed me to explore Los Angeles more intentionally and write for publications like L.A. Taco. I also value my talented and supportive cohort because we truly show up for one another. Additionally, the relationships with professors feel personal and meaningful, where I feel a genuine sense of care. They mean it when they say no one slips through the cracks.