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

I’m from Camarillo, California, and I recently graduated from Pepperdine University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During my undergraduate studies, I served as the senior photo editor for Pepperdine Graphic Media, and anchored and produced our broadcast show, NewsWaves TV-32, where I most notably covered the Franklin and Palisades wildfires, 2024 Primary Election and the fatal 2023 Pacific Coast Highway crash.

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

I originally learned about the program through alumni from Pepperdine who had also completed the program at USC Annenberg. In the conversations I had with them they spoke so highly about their peers and professors at Annenberg and I chose it because of its strong emphasis on hands-on learning, its location in Los Angeles, and its commitment to preparing students for the rapidly evolving media landscape. I really wanted to hone in on my reporting skills and the program’s focus on real-world storytelling and professional development made it the perfect next step after completing my undergraduate degree.

What have you enjoyed the most about the degree program?

I’ve truly loved being able to step into the role of a journalist from the very beginning of the program. From anchoring and reporting live with Annenberg TV News, to now producing our shows — the hands-on experience has been so incredibly rewarding as any opportunity to learn by doing has challenged me creatively and pushed me to grow with confidence as a storyteller.

I also can’t speak highly enough about the sense of community here at USC Annenberg. The support from both professors and classmates has fostered an environment where collaboration and growth thrive and feel natural. Being part of this program has not only strengthened my skills as a journalist, but has also helped me grow personally, and for that I’m truly grateful!